Transplanting Monarda, Pampas Grass, Butterfly Bush, and Hydrangea Care

A zone 6 gardener (Westport, MA) has multiple questions: moving monarda, pampas grass placement, butterfly bush dieback, and hydrangea color.

Monarda (Bee Balm)

Move now (fall) or spring after last frost. It's a mint-family spreader—divide aggressively.

Pampas Grass

• True Pampas (Cortaderia selloana): Zone 7-8. Not reliably hardy in zone 6.
• Hardy Pampas (Erianthus ravennae): Zone 5. Planted as specimen—needs no support.
• Plant in open, not against structures.

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia)

Cutting to 12 ft in early April may have killed it if done too late (after bud break) or if plant was weak. They're sometimes short-lived. Wait and see; scratch bark—green under bark means alive.

Blue Hydrangea Color

Use Miracid (acidifying fertilizer) per package directions. Aluminum sulfate also lowers pH for blue flowers. Apply in spring. Peat helps but isn't enough alone.

Summary

Move monarda anytime. Plant hardy pampas as specimen. Check butterfly bush for life. Acidify soil for blue hydrangeas.