Miscanthus is a warm season grass, meaning that it puts out its growth during the warmest part of the year - summer. Warm season grasses trend to be difficult to establish late in the season in this area as the roots stop developing about the same time the plant starts to flower and set seed heads so the suggestion is not to plant, transplant or divide very late into the year.

Spring, as you begin to see new growth emerging, is the best time to move but you could do it now. Like right NOW, provided you take all the necessary precautions about transplanting in hot, dry weather. If you can't do it right away, then wait until spring.

Large OG's like miscanthus can develop large, dense and heavy rootballs so be prepared to exert a little effort to get this guy moved. As with any in-season transplant, take as large a rootball as possible and get back into the ground ASAP. Water well. Cutting back is optional at this time.....I should think it would be somewhat easier to transfer with less top growth but personally, I'd be inclined to leave the plant pretty much intact. Less stress to the plant to have all its photosynthesizing abilities in place at time of transplant. If you wait to move until spring, of course all the top growth can/should be removed.

Thank you so much, gardengal48! We've picked a better spot, and, if we can get our spades into our hot, baked clay, we'll transplant her tomorrow. And, yes, we have lots of soil amendment to make the transition more likely to be successful (fingers crossed).