When do transplant a hydradranga plant?

Answer 1

It's best to transplant hydrangeas when they are dormant whenever possible... to reduce the impact of transplant shock.
http://garden.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Hydrangea

If you transplant a hydrangea at other times, it will be more difficult for the plant to recover from transplant shock. For example: If you transplant it in the summer, temperatures and moisture issues could complicate transplant shock to the point where the plant may not make it.
http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hydra/msg091434019145.html

Hydrangeas purchased from a garden center have been growing outdoors in a pot. Potted Hydrangeas can be planted at any time of the year but you'll have to make sure they don't dry out in the summer & you should especially avoid planting a hydrangea in EARLY spring when the leaves are first emerging. This is the most dangerous time to change the location of a hydrangea because a late freeze can zap the foliage back & the hydrangea might not recover.
http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/planting_fert.html

"Best time to transplant hydrangeas is when they are dormant (after most of the leaves have fallen off the hydrangeas)."
http://www.yourgarden.com/qa/qa.asp?u_action=Hydrangea

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

Hi:
The best time to transplant a Hydrangea shrub is in the fall. How old is your shrub? I recommend to my clients not to transplant the Hydrangea if in the ground for more then three to four years. The roots are already established.

If you can transplant the shrub, here are a few tips for you.
Take your shovel and loosen the dirt around the base of the shrub. I get down on my hands and knees as I want to look for the main root or mother root. Take your shovel and gently lift the main roots out.

Have your new hole ready and add some organic mushroom compost to the soil. This is an organic fertilizer that will last up to one year. It doesn't smell great but your Hydrangea will love it.

Take a hose and slow drip around the base of the shrub for about ten minutes. Do this two to three times a week for the first few weeks.

There is always a chance your Hydrangea may go into shock. This can be normal with transplaning any plant specimens. Take your fingernail and scratch a branch and if it is green - it is healthy. If it is brown, it may be in shock. Go ahead and add a handfull of six month slow nitrogen release fertilizer. You can do this again in spring. This should help and continue to water.

Also remember - Hydrangeas will change color with the different acid levels in your soil. One of my favorites is the Endless Summer!

I hope this has helped some and good luck to you. If you need any further help or other landscape ideas - I will link you to my gallery of plants section and site map. I have information on different Hydrangeas and zones. Have a great day!
Kimberly
http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Gallery.html

http://www.landscape-solutions-for-you.com/Site.html