When To Transplant Hydrangeas, According To Garden Experts

There are few sights more iconic than a garden full of colorful hydrangea blooms. These perennials make their reappearance in late spring and, depending on the variety, they could put on one stunning show or deliver lush flowers all summer long. But making sure you're set up for the most blooms possible means transplanting any new hydrangeas at the right time.

Luckily, the window isn't short, but it does require understanding the right weather conditions in addition to the right season. This timing is applicable whether you've purchased brand new hydrangeas for your garden or want to move around those that you already have.

Want to get ahead of next summer's blooms? Here's what two experts had to share about the best time to transplant hydrangeas, as well as their tips for a successful transplanting process.

What To Consider Before Transplanting Hydrangeas

If you transplant a hydrangea at the wrong time of year, you could stress the plant and impact the potential of your next bloom. The plant could go into transplant shock, which includes symptoms like drooping leaves and fewer or no buds and flowers. In many cases, the hydrangea will recover the next year, but there are times when transplant shock could be the end of the plant.

To avoid transplant shock, the best time to transplant a hydrangea is when it's dormant. That means the blooms have died and most of the leaves have dropped. The weather should be cool and, ideally, you won't be in a drought season since the hydrangea needs to stay consistently watered after being transplanted.

Best Time To Transplant Hydrangeas

Transplanting hydrangeas during the dormant season typically means either transplanting in the fall, after the hydrangea has begun to die back for the season, or early spring, before it starts its growth season. "In the fall, plants are about to go into their dormant state for the season so they can focus all of their energy on root development instead of top growth," says Dillon.

This timing will vary by climate but a good rule of thumb is to plant when you feel confident there will be six weeks of mild, cooler temperatures ahead. You want to leave plenty of time for the hydrangea to establish its roots before extreme heat or extreme cold sets in. Aim for planting after the last frost in spring.

Transplant Hydrangeas in Fall

"I grew up with a father who ran a very large garden center. I can still see the banner 'Fall is for planting,'" says Heider Chapple. She explains that fall is the least stressful time for shrubbery, like hydrangeas, to establish their roots.

Heider Chapple says, "If you are dividing, transplanting, or just establishing new gardens, fall is the time. The hydrangea will not have to go through the heat of the summer as it develops root structure and becomes part of your property."

To find the exact right timing, wait until the blooms have died and the leaves have turned brown and begun to fall. As long as you're ahead of the first frost and the ground is still pliable, you're within the fall planting window. Dillon advises that this is usually six to eight weeks before the first frost.

Transplant Hydrangeas in Spring

Spring is also fair game for transplanting hydrangeas, which is good news for those who are planning their garden a bit more last minute. Wait until the last threat of frost has passed, but don't push it so far into spring that the hydrangea has already started its rapid growth for summer.

How To Transplant Hydrangeas

The key to transplanting hydrangeas is moisture, moisture, and more moisture. You'll want to keep the soil wet throughout the process.

Here's the step-by-step guide to transplanting hydrangeas.

1. Choose the right day for transplanting. "Transplant on a cloudy day. Cloudy days and cooler temperatures will help with transplant shock," says Dillon.
2. Select a spot that gets the right amount of light for your type of hydrangea and plenty of moisture. "Although hydrangeas are labeled full sun plants, in Southern climates, they benefit from afternoon shade. Hydrangeas get sunburned easily so some protection from the hottest part of the day will ensure your blooms stay beautiful all season long," says Dillon.
3. Dig a hole that is larger than the rootball. Add in organic matter to help drainage and enrich the soil to minimize shock.
4. Fill the hole with water. Ideally, you want to see that the hole is not draining rapidly. Because hydrangeas love moisture, they do best in an area that will maintain consistent moisture.
5. Make sure you've gotten as much of the root ball as possible when digging up a hydrangea. Water it before transplanting.
6. Plant the hydrangea in the prepared hole, making sure that it is adequately wet (muddy is good!). Fill in the soil. Water it again. Add a layer of mulch to help seal in the ingredients.
   

Caring For Transplanted Hydrangeas

If you want a low maintenance transplant season, go for fall. "Planting in the fall will keep you from having to babysit your hydrangea during the season. You still need to monitor its hydration needs for the first year, but it will be a bit more forgiving if fall planted," says Dillon.

But regardless of when you transplant your hydrangeas, the number one priority is making sure they stay consistently watered. During the spring, it's actually easier to monitor since you can watch the leaves for signs that they're thirsty, like drooping or wilting. It's slightly more difficult in the fall when you're looking at dead branches, but you can feel the soil with your finger to make sure it's moist about an inch down.

Hydrangeas should be fertilized in early spring and fall, regardless of whether they've been transplanted.