Expert: C.L. Fornari - 11/22/2007

Question
I live in Alabama, south of Montgomery. It is Nov now, and i want to know the best time to transplant my hydrangeas.. It is in the ground.. I have had it there in that spot for three years.. I need to move it i put it to close to my fence.. It needs more room... Thanks for your help.. Linda

Answer
Linda,
Now is a fine time to transplant hydrangeas IF you remember to water them deeply every five or six days once you move them.  In your area this shouldn't be a problem, but in some northern areas people are turning off hoses so that they don't freeze.  You could also wait and do it in February. No matter when you transplant you might see some of the canes die back - this would influence flowering for the coming season if you are talking about the blue or pink hydrangeas that bloom on second year growth.  I'd go ahead and move them now, water deeply every five days for the first month and then taper down to once a week through Jan and Feb if the weather is dry. Don't fertlizer until next spring and then just give a mild organic fertilizer.

I hope this helps,
C.L.