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Mid-Atlantic Gardening

transplanting butterfly bush

11 years ago

I need to transplant a butterfly bush since I got a new bush for free I'd rather put in its place. I know it's not a good time to do it, but I have no choice. If I move it, should I cut it back down or just leave it and water it lot (and hope it doesn't die!)?

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Comments (2)

dbrowne
11 years ago
If possible it is best to move then after they are finished blooming.

My experience is that butterfly bushes do not like to be moved,but good luck.
CEFreeman
11 years ago
Oh, heck.
I did 'em up and move 'em all the time.
They might play dead, as crape myrtles do, but they're weeds. They recover.

I'd wait until late fall, although they're evergreen, they do have a dormant stage. Same advice as usual. Get as much rootball as you can, and water deeply. You might lose 1/2 the shrub, but cut it back and it'll grow out fine..
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