When Should You Move a Lacecap Hydrangea?

Timing

• According to the website Hydrangeas Plus, the best time to move a hydrangea is when it has reached its dormant stage after it is well-established. Before moving it, allow the plant to grow for at least one full blooming season to firmly establish a root base. After the leaves have fallen off the plant, it enters its dormant stage and should be safe to move. This usually occurs around November or December but may vary slightly, depending on your local climate.

Preparation

• Prune your hydrangea in fall just before it goes dormant, if you plan on moving it. Hydrangeas don't need much pruning, as the new blooms form on old wood; only prune what's necessary to maintain its desired shape. Tying the branches together with twine to prepare it for the move can also prevent limb breaking and other damage to the plant when you are uprooting it.

Location

• Hydrangeas don't do well in hot, direct sunlight, so move the plant to a place with afternoon shade. A mature lacecap hydrangea can grow to be around 8 feet tall by 6 feet wide, so ensure the new location has sufficient space for a mature plant. If you have a pH tester for your soil, select a spot that's slightly acidic.

Moving

• When you uproot your hydrangea, dig up as much of the root system as you can. You want as much of an established root ball as you can get. Because of the size of the plant and the thick, fibrous nature of the roots, a lot of soil is going to come with the root ball. You may need someone to help you lift it. After planting, water the hydrangea deeply with a hose. A single watering should be enough to get it through the dormant season.