When is the best time to transplant hydrangeas? This is a crucial question because you could lose these plants if you don’tdon’t do it right. They take many years to mature.
It is easy to learn how hydrangeas. These plants are resilient and can grow in any soil type. They also require very little maintenance.
“Hydrangeas are no longer considered old-fashioned. They are valued and championed for their use as garden plants and highly prized for their reliability and blooms,” says Leigh Clapp, Period Living’sLiving’s gardening expert.
Transplanting your Hydrangea can be a good option if it isn’tisn’t flourishing in its current location or you want to move it to a better spot.
To get the best results, always think about how to plant hydrangeas – you can choose from many stunning companion plants.
What is the best time to transplant Hydrangeas?
Lucy Searle is Editor in Chief of Homes & Gardens. Lucy says, “As long you move your hydrangeas during the right season, they should be able to cope with being transplanted.”
“However, any plant moving involves the risk of it becoming stressed and possibly losing its life. Make sure the new location is suitable.
Similar to the when-to-transplant hydrangeas issue, it is best to transplant them when they are dormant. If you live in a cold climate, it is best to transplant them during the fall. However, if the ground isn’tisn’t frozen, you can sometimes transplant them throughout the winter.
Before moving your plant, wait until the flowers are gone, and the leaves have fallen.
Learn how to winterize hydrangeas to protect them from the elements as the weather turns colder.
Transplanting Hydrangeas in Spring
You can also transplant hydrangeas in spring before their first flush of growth. This is an excellent time to move plants as they will soon be out of hibernation and settle in for the next season.
Searle says that hydrangea transplants can be made during spring depending on the USDA plant zone (opens in new tab).
“For warmer zones 9-9, it’sit’s best that you move it in the spring, between March and April. However, for cooler zones 4-6, it’s an excellent idea to do it mid to late spring -ideally by mid-May.
Transplanting Hydrangeas in Summer
It is not recommended to transplant hydrangeas during the warmest months of the year. However, it may be possible if this is impossible.
However, hydrangeas should not be moved during heat waves or periods of drought. Searle says transplant shock can occur when the plant is exposed to high heat and low moisture.
Is it possible to transplant Hydrangeas in July?
You can transplant hydrangeas in July if needed, but there are better seasons than this and the risk of losing the plant.
If you must move your Hydrangea in July, ensure it is not during a hot spell.
Hydrangea Transplant Shock: How can I avoid it?
Transplant shock can be a side effect of moving plants. You can see signs such as wilting, falling leaves, and not blooming hydrangeas. Your plant might not recover in severe cases.
Hydrangea transplant shock can be minimized by removing as much root ball as possible. Searle warns that too much damage to roots can lead to death.
“While how to prune Hydrangeas can be very helpful, it is best not to prune it at this stage. It could cause too much stress for the plant.
Keep your Hydrangea hydrated until it settles in its new place. You can rest assured that your Hydrangea will flower once transplanted.
How do you move and replant Hydrangeas?
It would help first to consider whether the new location offers the right conditions for your plant when moving or replanting hydrangeas.
Matthew Pottage, curator at RHS Wisley (opens in new tab): “Hydrangeas need reliable moisture in summer, so don’tdon’t plant them in dry positions.
Avoid south-facing spots and ensure shade and protection from the afternoon sun.
While some species of Hydrangea can tolerate full sunlight, others are more sensitive to heat.
After you’ve chosen a suitable spot, prepare the ground before you start digging.
Clapp suggests adding some organic matter to the soil when planting to increase moisture. To help roots establish, remove any large stones.
To make the plant easier to manage, you might need to tie its branches together if it is enormous. You should remove as much root ball as you can.
If the plant is enormous, carefully move it to its new location. You must place the Hydrangea in the hole, but only as profound as the previous one. Then backfill with soil.
Mulch to retain moisture, add nutrients, and suppress weeds.
If you move the Hydrangea to cooler or wetter conditions, you will only need water. In warmer weather, water the soil regularly until it becomes established.