Transplanting and Pruning Rose of Sharon in Southern Vermont in April

A Southern Vermont gardener wants to transplant rose of sharon bushes in April and prune both transplanted and established ones.

Timing

Gill said transplant now only if weather cool and little new growth; otherwise wait until fall. Prune deciduous shrubs late winter to early spring; if lots of new growth, pruning risks losing this year's flowers. Evergreens: prune mid to late spring. Prune before digging to reduce weight and root stress.

Match transplant and pruning timing to growth stage and plant type.