I don't think there would be any particular problem because of the time of year. In fact it might be a good time. Assuming you can really dig the soil enough to get something besides chunks of icy soil. I don't know how frozen your ground really is. Water it very very carefully and keep it very well watered. I wouldn't take it inside. Hay

Doesn't matter. I love the dried flower heads on the plant over winter, I find it a lovely effect, but the choice is yours. Try to get her moved the earlier part of October to give her a good 6 weeks or so to settle in and get a bit established before the weather turns colder.

The experts' rule-of-thumb is during dormant period, in the Fall or early Spring before they wake up. Before I knew any better, I've moved a few beauties around (at less than ideal times) as long as I get the entire root ball & with a lot of TLC ... moved 2 ESs 3x, F&E 2x, 2 Serratas in late Spring... they were young & it was easy to dig up the entire ball as if I was just moving a huge pot from 1 spot to a better one (I was blest!) ... DON'T follow my ignorant lead, unless you won't mind losing you beauty. I have an old Nikko I'm thinking to move, but fear the risk of losing 2 stems, on ground-layering status since 1st of June. If I toughen my chicken nature, I might still ... around mid-Nov ... & cross fingers/talking to Hydrangea gods all Winter!!! LOL A very old shrub would be difficult to move w/out some damage to roots! Experts will be responding soon! Good Luck!

Good idea. I am going up there this coming week so I will take some pics and try to get them on here. She is pretty geeked to think I am getting 'expert' help in keeping this baby alive. They were only married 8 years but they were the best 8 years of her life. Since she eventually wants to come live with me it'd be great to have this thing growing and blooming. Thanks everyone. Miriah