Transplanting Hydrangeas – When And How To Transplant Your Hydrangea

Last Updated on January 3, 2022 by Grow with Bovees

Growing hydrangeas is relatively easy as they are pretty low-maintenance plants. It has the ability to adapt to almost any soil type without having to force it to bloom.

There might, however, come a time when you feel you need to move or transplant your hydrangea because you noticed slow growth or feel that it is not thriving where it is planted. It is important to be considerate of the time and place when deciding to go about transplanting hydrangeas to a new bed of soil.

Continue on to get some tips on when, why and how you should go about transplanting hydrangeas.

Hydrangeas are beautiful shrubs that can add great value and vibrancy to any garden — may it be an indoor hydrangea garden or a lovely outdoor potted hydrangea.

When growing, these shrubs’ beautiful blooms can flaunt amazing colors, which may include a vibrant pink, lavender and even a pretty clear blue, all depending on the acidity level of the soil, and the species of hydrangea.

When To Transplant Hydrangea Shrubs

Climate is one of the most important factors that plays a crucial role when transplanting hydrangeas into different soil, and it should always be considered.

It is generally recommended to transplant hydrangeas towards late fall or beginning of winter. As a rule of thumb, transplanting should be done before the frost sets in and the ground freezes in order to prevent your plants roots from dying. Always be aware of late frosts.

If you are located in an area where the climate is generally cooler, late November is a good time to safely transplant hydrangeas. If, however, you live in warmer areas where the temperatures are higher rather than an area which has cooler climates, you should wait to move your shrub in December and February.

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If you are an experienced gardener, aware of when your hydrangea plant becomes dormant, moving it then is an ideal time. A good indication of dormancy is when you notice its leaves dropping.

Fewer leaves upon transplanting means that the hydrangea has more energy to use to establish roots that are strong and healthy. How your plant behaves is an important thing to keep an eye on when repotting it, so pay careful attention and watch closely.

If you are unsure, seek advice from a garden specialist or horticulturist. They would also be able to help you prepare your plant for the transplant.

Why Should You Re-Plant Hydrangeas?

While maturing, you will notice that the hydrangea plant sheds its leaves once every year — it is considered to be a deciduous plant and if cared for properly, the hydrangea can grow to reach a height of approximately 5 to 6 feet tall.

The proper location is crucial for the survival of the hydrangea plant. Most of them thrive best in an area where the heat of the sun is regulated and in soil that is well-draining. If the leaves wilt, or you notice you have an unhappy plant, it calls for transplantation to a more ideal environment.

How To Transplant Hydrangeas

The task of transplanting your hydrangea to a new location in your garden can easily be done alone. If you have to move larger clusters of this shrub or a relatively established hydrangea, however, it would be a wise decision to ask for the help of a garden buddy or possibly even a reliable garden expert.

Continue on for a few tips that should be remembered when you decide to transplant your hydrangea plant and a small step-by-step guide to help you along.

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Location For Hydrangeas Is Everything

Finding the right location for your shrub is key to healthy plant growth. Hydrangeas love an environment where sunlight exposure is controlled. Too much sun or full sun will harm your hydrangea.

The best place to choose for your shrub is an area which is made up of partial shade. Preferably in a spot of good morning sun and enough afternoon shade. If the sunlight is too harsh, you will run the risk of dehydrating your hydrangeas.

Rootball Size

The second thing to consider is the size of your shrub’s rootball and its roots. Will it fit into the new location that you have chosen? If you find the root ball is too big or too small for the location that you have picked, it is best to choose a different spot to accommodate your shrub.

Pre Digging

You want to get your plants into the new soil as soon as possible. Generally speaking, the process of replanting is an urgent matter in any plant, this includes the hydrangea. We therefore advise that you dig a hole in the area of relocation before removing your plant from its current environment.

Remember to Water Well

Plants in general need sufficient amounts of water to survive and stay alive. Their demand for water increases when you go about transplanting them to a different place. This is why transplanting is recommended to be done during fall or winter, as hydrangeas do not need as much water during these seasons.

Transplanting During Warmer Seasons

If you decide to relocate your hydrangea during early spring or summer, be sure that you supply it with good amounts of water to prevent the root system from dying. Deep watering using a garden hose is crucial to ensure that the plant gets enough water to reach the roots under the soil.

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Mulch & Compost

In order to reduce transplant shock, freshly transplanted hydrangeas should be provided with the correct hydrangea fertilizer and mulch. Adding organic fertilizer will promote the growth of bigger blooms and strong root systems.

Continue to fertilize hydrangeas twice a year.

Step-By-Step Guide To The Transplant Process

Step 1

Dig a hole in the ground at the relocation spot chosen to fit your hydrangeas needs and rootball size perfectly.

Step 2

Remove your hydrangea from its current pot, by digging in a circle around it using proper garden tools. Try to dig out as much of the rootball as you possibly can, trying to keep the majority of the rootball intact.

Step 3

Transport the plant to its new spot carefully.

Step 4

If you are relocating a hydrangea which happens to be dormant, deeply water it once and then continue to normally water it come spring.

Sufficient watering for your transplanted hydrangea is crucial during the first two seasons after the transplant is done.

Conclusion

Let us recap. Hydrangeas prefer semi-shade where essential light is still present and well draining soil but moist soil. Replanting should preferably be done when the plant is dormant to minimize the risk of hydrangea transplant shock. When transplanting during warmer seasons, or during mid-spring or early summer, be mindful of possible loss of blooms and provide enough water.

There we are. Easy, right?

Do not be afraid to transplant or plant hydrangeas. Follow the steps and be mindful of the tips, and I am sure that your plant will survive.

Resources;

https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/flowers-shrubs-trees/general-care-hydrangeas