It is of no benefit to the plant to cut it back before moving/transplanting. In fact, the leaves/top growth are what feeds the root system and while they are still green and functioning, their removal - or even partial removal - puts the plant at risk by not being able to re-establish itself over winter.

"told by a local nursery to cut half of the new growth before transplanting them or they will not come back in the Spring" - this is just baloney!!

So I can just dig them up the way they are and transplant them ???

Saturn

Yes, But if you live where it is still hot and dry, you may need to coddle them for a bit. Or wait until a bit later in fall.

Rhode Island temps highest now 75 not many 80's left this year. Maybe I should add some soil with fertilizer mixed in it??

Saturn

Sounds like now will be an okay time. But NO fertilizer......you can use some in spring if you like. All they need now until they shut down sometime later in fall is water.

@gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9) I am often confused by the rule of thumb on fertilizer use. Could you explain when and why we shouldn't fertilize at times? Thanks!

Very generally, never fertilize a stressed or ailing plant, never fertilize a brand new planting and don't fertilize after the 1st of August.

There are exceptions but they are rare.

FWIW, I rarely ever have found a need to fertilize anything planted in the ground. But I do mulch with a pretty nutrient rich compost.

Thanks. But what is so special about August 1?

Plants are beginning to slow down so fertilizer is not utilized efficiently. And could encourage growth that will not have time to ripen/mature or harden off before cold weather hits and is therefore overly vulnerable to cold damage.

Hydrangeas now relocated been watering every day now for about a week. Should I deadhead spent flowers or just let them fall off on their own

So I should just keep them the way they are for now and let them fall off over winter?? Is there any time that I should dead head them??

Saturn

"Is there any time that I should dead head them??"

As long as you get it done before they leaf out next spring you're fine. If you wait long enough you can just run your hands up the stems and they'll pop right off.