George is 100% correct - forced or florist hydrangeas are very difficult to transition into the landscape in colder zones. They tend to be sold as floral gifts or throw-away plants - enjoy them whilst they are in bloom, then toss them. For one, they are almost always macrophyllas, which are seldom bud hardy in zones lower than 6 without significant winter protection. Nearly all of these bloom on old wood and in colder climates, this wood is killed back by winter cold - no old wood, no flowers, much the same as if you pruned them hard each season (winter is doing the pruning for you!). And they do take time to establish to outdoor growing conditions, even if they prove root hardy. In colder climates, growing paniculatas or arborescens (Annabelle) are better bets as these are very hardy and are reliably good bloomers, plus they bloom on new growth so do not mind the winter dieback. There are some macrophyllas or bigleaf mophead hydrangeas that bloom on both old AND new wood and are considered hardier than the norm.....'Endless Summer' is one but there are others. Unfortunately, these are seldom utilized as forced or florist hydrangeas - you will have to seek them out at garden centers or by mail order. And visiting the Hydrangea forum is an excellent idea. Lots of great info there on overwintering and protecting hydrangeas in colder climates plus suggestions for planting others that will thrive in your climate.

Those that we buy in nurseries do not. They should be mature enough to bloom. However, hydrangeas are subject to forcing at the wholesale level in order for the shrub to be blooming either by the time they make it to the local nursery or close to that. That means they will be forced to bloom earlier than normal or later than normal.... can't tell which. Your plant could have already bloomed or it may be blooming late yet; so stay tuned and keep looking. Either way, I prefer that the plant stay busy establishing a good root system in preparation for winter & that the plant get over transplant shock. So if I get bloomage on the first year, that is ok. If I do not get blooms but the plant is healthy, that is ok too. Bottom line: do not worry if you see no blooms on the first year!

There is nothing unusual in such behaviour in a first year after planting for the most shrubs. They had been 'programmed' by growers to be as much attractive as they could be: fertilizing, growth control hormones, ideal lighting and watering conditions etc, etc, etc. The very first and sometimes 2-3 years on their own shrubs spend all possible energy on roots establishment. Flowering is a secondary issue for them. Be patient, especially with paniculatas, oakleaf and climbing hydrangeas. They'll reward you in a due time.

First it is good to identify what kind of hydrangea you have. If it blooms pink or blue then you have H. macrophylla which should NOT be pruned in the fall (otherwise you cut the flower buds off). What gardening zone are you in? Perhaps zone 5? If so, you might also be getting winter freeze on the buds and killing the flowers that way. 'Endless Summer' is one hydrangea was developed to overcome winter bud kill because it can bloom on new wood. Please look at the site below for lots more information about caring for hydrangeas. Here is a link that might be useful: Very good site on the care of hydrangeas