If I have to plant it outside permanently, lazy me would place it in a permanent location so I do not have to dig a temporary hole while on vacation and a permanent hole. But you know... both locations sound good, all things being equal. I would choose the location where I will notice and enjoy the plants more.

However, I would also consider delaying planting them. Instead, I would look for a temporary protected (from winds/sun) location that gets water... even locations with no direct sun but just enough indirect sun to be considered full but "bright" shade. Then I would temporarily place the pots there on top of the ground. This location will minimize evaporation by wind or sun.

When you return from vacation, you can plant them on the ground permanently. In this scenario, if you are present and a problem crops up, you will be able to notice and take corrective action. But if you are on vacation for a long time, the plant will be on its own until you return.

Unexpected: I almost lost a small plant due to squirrels frequenting the area where I originally placed it.

I would plant it in its permanent position, but cover it with Agribon, Reemay, or a similar fabric held well above the plant on supports such as arched wires or capped bamboo sticks if there is a chance of frost while you will be gone.

You don't have any location info, but here in New England H. macrophylla do best with morning sun and afternoon shade. Too little sun and they don't bloom well, so I wouldn't recommend the north size of the house unless you are in a really hot area and there is lots of indirect light.

If you want to add location info to your profile so it posts by your name in GW posts and we don't have to ask, here's how:

Go to Your Houzz in the upper right of every page, click Edit Profile, and on the left side click advanced settings. Well down the advanced settings page is a blank labeled Climate Zone for Garden Forums along with a link to find your zone.

If you add info on your state or the nearest large city you will get even better information since zone only relates to average coldest winter temperatures.

Then return to the top of the page and click Done Editing.

Thanks everyone for your recommendations. BTW, I'm in Zone 5, NW Illinois. I think I'm going to just plant them in their permanent location and cover them with mulch to protect the crown. Wish me luck!