How to Move Hydrangea Plants

Hydrangea plants (Hydrangea spp.) are flowering shrubs with distinctive lacy blooms in white, pink, blue and purple. These fast-growing plants do best in full sun when climates are relatively cool but require some shelter in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 8 and higher, because excessive heat can cause wilting. Hydrangeas also require loose, well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Hydrangeas that have been planted in unfavorable locations are relatively easy to move to better sites, as long as you take some precautions.


Wait until the hydrangea has finished blooming and the weather is relatively cool. In areas that do not get regular winter frosts, hydrangeas will not enter a dormant state.


Prune off all dead wood and overly long branches. Leave the tips of live branches intact to preserve the flower buds for the following year. Water the hydrangea thoroughly two to three days before transplanting it to soften the ground.


Tie a piece of twine around the branches of the hydrangea to reduce damage during transport. Mark one side of the trunk by hanging a short piece of twine from an outside branch to enable the shrub to be replanted in its original orientation. This prevents sunscald.


Dig a trench 15 to 24 inches deep all the way around the hydrangea. Slide the shovel under the root ball and lift the shrub into a wheelbarrow. Move the plant to its new location immediately.


Select a sunny, partially sheltered site. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the hydrangea's root ball and fill it with water. Allow the water to soak in completely before planting the hydrangea at its original depth and orientation.