Best Time to Transplant Established Hydrangeas

December through mid-March is the ideal window for moving mature hydrangeas. If the soil is workable, you can often lift them nearly bare-root. For large, old plants, reduce the canopy by about half before digging to lessen water stress on the reduced root system—though you'll sacrifice some blooms the first summer.

Smaller hydrangeas (a couple of feet tall and wide) can be moved without pruning. After transplanting, watch for droopy leaves on summer mornings; that's a clear signal the plant needs water before the heat of the day.

Mulch well and keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season.