Jump on it when the leaves drop.

Thanks, bboy - Carrie

I don't know about your zone, but in zone 5b, it would be a sure death sentence--same for all cut back shrubs--buddleia, perovskia, etc.

lacey - my rule has always been the "old rule"... transplant perennials/shrubs in the fall that bloom in the spring and transplant plants/shrubs that bloom in the fall in the spring... That's why I posted the question about the caryopteris shrubs. You may be right about it being the wrong time - since it is a fall blooming shrub. I can hold hold until the spring - which also may be easier since I will be cutting them down by then. Thanks - Carrie (Anyone else having a different opinion about this I would love to hear from)

meant to say "hold off".... not "hold hold" (it's early....) Carrie

Why would they die?

bboy, it seems that all cut back type shrubs--buddleia, caryopteris, perovskia, simply don't take fall transplanting. They also tend to die if they are cut back in the fall rather than spring. I do garden consulting and have a number of customers who have wanted to know how to keep their buddlieas alive--they were cutting them back in the fall.

Best way to get rid of buddleia! Thought I'd save spring cleanup on my Huge buddleia by cutting them last fall - this spring they were ALL dead (good thing I found some "volunteers" in another spot). Maybe you should wait 'til spring for those caryopteris - after seeing what laceyvail had to say I will for sure.

yes, I just found this thread and remembered that last October I had decided to wait until spring to transplant them and it worked out well for me. The old saying is true - what blooms in spring, transplant in fall; fall bloomers, transplant in spring....

Thanks, everyone - Carrie

I have no choice but to move my caryopteris now. It's hot, and it's fall. But construction next door is preventing me from waiting. I moved a huge bush and it's flowering. Should I remove the flowers to enhance root growth and to possibly make the roots get stronger? Shoud I put some rooting powder down? It's so beautiful. I don't want to lose it!!! :-(

Dig the new hole before digging up the plant.

Give it temporaray shade to reduce transplant shock.

Mulch well and water, but don’t overwater.