I'd keep it in a cool room or conservatory in the house for a good month or more. The hydrangea has been forced to flower much earlier than it normally would and is far more likely to die in the garden.

That's what we were thinking. They are outside in the garden centre but they shut that area up at night so we didn't want to harm it

Be sure to remove that protective clear plastic sleeve right away, though.

Absolutely Tugb., should have mentioned that!

Thankyoy! It's removed :)

I've adopted one of these a couple years ago. It was an Easter decoration from a church. They are grown in a hot house and forced to bloom by a certain day. Mg is right as usual. Wait for the weather to warm up before planting out in the garden. Even so, it will take a few years to bloom again as it tries to adjust to the outdoors. Add a little aluminum sulfate to the planting hole if you want blue flowers - otherwise you will get pink.

thankyou!!

Those comments are so useful; I have just had a Hydrangea given me for my birthday, am tld that if I plant it in Ericaceous compost it will thrive. I have put it in a 12" pot, with ericaceous compost. Should I also add aluminium sulphate?

You are welcome. I did the same thing and here is what mine looks like now.

Can a potted hydrangea that started in a green house and was forced to bloom on Mother's Day, thrive in the garden afterwards?
http://www.growsonyou.com/question/show/311324

Autumnleaves hydrangea's don't need ericaceous compost but it won't do any harm.

This one is doing well now it's flowering out in the garden!!