replant hydrangeas?

we have a big hydrangea bush we'd like to move - is it better to do it in the spring or fall?

any tips?

Re: replant hydrangeas?

I'm pretty sure you can transplant it in the fall when it is dormant. At least that's what my mom says and she is a pretty good gardener .

Re: replant hydrangeas?

if you can dig the root ball up and carry it then fall would be best - i would wait another few more weeks to do so.

Re: replant hydrangeas?

you fall.... get as big of a root ball as you can... i have succesfully replanted about 7.... when we redesigned the ILs front yard, several went to my parents and several went to my sister and neighbors... all doing perfectly fine... they all started out blue... some are now purple and some are white... all has to do with the PH of the soil...

Re: replant hydrangeas?

Best time is when daytime temps are consistently cool. Hydrangeas are setting their buds for next year right now, so keep in mind you might get less flowers in spring if they get damaged during the move, or the move doesn't go well.

Also, Hydrangeas like morning sun and afternoon shade. If you don't provide that in it's new spot, it may not do as well.

Like a PP said, get as much of the root ball as possible. Don't fertilize it, just make sure it's well watered (mornings, not evenings).

Good luck!

Message edited 9/17/2010 12:30:14 PM.

Re: replant hydrangeas?

Keep it watered also - that's the key to success. I put in hydrangeas in July during the heat wave and they have done fine because we kept them well watered. You can move them anytime. I've put them in or moved them in both fall and spring with no ill effects. If they are in the sun and you do not have irrigation, wind a soaker hose around their bases and run it a few hours every day or so, or even over night if it's hot. They are thirsty plants as they have such big soft leaves and make large flowers.

Re: replant hydrangeas?

I replanted mine in the spring and its flowering now. I think its confused...haha