Hydrengeas or crepes (all shrubs) do well transplanted in the spring or fall. Hydrengeas always do better in a container because you can control the type of soil they have. There have been several varieties that have been introduced (particularly the endless summer series) that are less sensitive to our alkaline soil and are repeat bloomers. If you do not care where you plant then I would recommend the container first for garanteed success! In terms of the crepe myrtles you can containerize them particularly the super dwarf or weeping varieties, but I would always plan the tree forms in the ground directly for best success. AND of course we carry them!