Question:
I don't know if this has already been answered in the archives, but can you transplant a butterfly bush in the fall, or should I wait till spring.
Hardiness Zone: 6a
Peggy from Chillicothe, OH
Answer:
In your zone, transplanting can be done in either the spring or the fall. If you decide to transplant it in the fall, wait until the foliage dies back. Although the plant is entering a dormant state above ground, the temperature of the soil will stay warm a while longer and the roots will continue to remain active. This allows the roots enough time to become established, which will get them off to a faster start once warm weather rolls around again in the spring.
For gardeners in colder zones, it's probably best (and safest) to wait until the spring for transplanting due to the probability of unpredictable fall weather. Plants should be moved before new growth gets started. Butterfly Bushes are pretty tough, so if you are desperate to transplant one in the fall, go for it.
Ellen
Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
More Answers:
I am in zone 7. In my experience, you can't kill them. I have dug them up trying to get rid of one and if I leave any piece of the root---it comes back! I have them coming up volunteer everywhere.Cut it back like you normally would-to about 12"-and replant. It should be just fine. (09/10/2006)
By Dodie
My experience has been the same, but call a nursery if you're not sure.
I grew up in Ohio, and if my memory doesn't fail me, when I was in the 6th (?) grade, we went to or near Chillicothe on a field trip. I believe to Schoenbrunne Village--not sure of the spelling. That was over 35 years ago, but I still remember how pretty everything was.
Oh well. Good luck on your butterfly bush. (09/11/2006)
By susan
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