Yeah, since it is potted and pots dry out easily due to temps and wind, feel free to move it around but it will fare better if it gets some afternoon shade and less wind. Any place close to the house that fits that? Close to the exits is good as you will "see it" and then remember to ck the soil and water. Not that I have ever forgotten to water. Well, not ever ever. ;o) Well, maybe a few times. Well, more like just a tad... ooooh well, yeees, a feeeeew tiiimmmmeeesss if you insist in knowing. Hee hee hee! Enjoy the shrub.

No need to fertilize in 2018 if it already has those round fertilizer pellets. You can plant it when temps moderate at the start of Fall. In "future Springs", just put 1/2 to 1 cup of organic mulch, composted manure or cottonseed meal and that will take care of it for the whole year. If you forget or decide to not fertilize, that will be fine too as long as the soil has no mineral deficiencies. The best fertilizer is actually mulch. Keep it well mulched year around and it will feed off the decomposing mulch.

The plant itself is probably 3 years old, but it looks like it's been in the pot for about a month. How well rooted was it?

Sara, where are you located? And how much sun is part shade? If you are as far south as Luis, part shade is great. Where I am, too much shade can make a panicled hydrangea bloom less and grow less densely, so location is important.

”I’m hoping it will flower next year.” It might or might not. It depends on how well developed the roots are and how happy it is in the spot you chose, including care for the remainder of this growing season. Is the plant mulched and grass removed near it? Do you water it well when the soil is just barely moist several inches deep? Is the shade from. Anearby tree which will create root competition or from a structure? A new plant needs to grow roots and settle in before it can start growing well, so you will likely get some bloom next season, but it may not be many. Gardening is an activity that requires patience, especially for woody plants. The owls saw is the the first year they slept, the second year they creep, and the third season they leap is worth remembering.