How to Move A Hydrangea Tree

Location

Hydrangeas will burn if they receive too much mid-day sun so choose a location that gets morning or late afternoon sun, but avoid mid-day sun. Amend the soil with compost and make sure it drains well.

Timing

Don't try to transplant a hydrangea in the spring. If you do, you may have to wait a year or two for it to bloom again. Wait until it enters it winter dormant period and its leaves have fallen. Choose a hydrangea that is already well established for best results. Prune the hydrangea and tie the branches up with twine to make it easier to move and avoid damage.  Wait for an overcast day and make sure it's not too hot out. 

Time to Move the Hydrangea!

Dig a large root ball to avoid damaging the roots. The bigger the root ball, the better.

Transplant the hydrangea, if possible, to a site as similar as possible to the one it was in. Water in well and make sure that you keep the hydrangea moist but not wet throughout the first growing season. Make sure it does not dry out during this first year.

If you want to divide your hydrangea, the fall transplanting season is a good opportunity to do this. Divide it with a spade and transplant as usual. Be aware that your hydrangea may not be true to its original color for the first year after transplanting.