It's a variety of Hydrangea macrophylla, bigleaf hydrangea, and it will not be happy in full sun. Morning sun is fine but then at least dappled shade through the afternoon.

Macs and serratas - the hydrangeas with the intensely colored (and possibly purple) flowers - are probably the least sun tolerant of any of the hydrangeas. None will be happy in full sun. And they will lose much of the intensity of their coloring if in too much sun.

If you want a hydrangea for full sun, stick to the paniculatas. Not purple but many varieties will age to shades of dark pink.

Thanks gardengal I definitely want this color...so I have another spot on the other side of my house that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. I'll put it there. Just wondering if it would grow in a large planter? For the sunny area, I'll definitely get paniculata's. As always, thank you.

Depending on your location, you can for sure grow in containers. I have several that I grow that way. But I also live were no winter protection is required for these so being in a container year round is not a big deal. In other areas it may be.

And you do know that coloring will be variable depending on soil conditions? It is really hard to match flower color as a result but can be done with some tweaking.

Thanks gardengal. I'm in zone 8b. BC. Mild winters like you. Your information is very helpful to me. I have an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade. I can't plant it in the ground there, that is why I am thinking of a large planter.

To ensure the flowers don’t turn pink use a growing medium suitable for acid loving plants.

Thank you flora. I think my soil is acidic already. I should be good to go. Planting in the fall.

But you can't use your acidic garden soil in a container :-) Or not with any degree of long term success. And since most commercial bagged potting soil is adjusted to be pH neutral or very close to it, you will need to acidify it to get dark blue flowers. Or even better, look for a potting mix formulated for acid loving plants.

Thank you again gardengal. I will see if I can find some potting mix for acid loving plants. I love your tips!!!