transplanting lacecap hydrangea

by margie
(manasquan, nj)

I would like to move my lacecap, when would be the best time to transplant, and also when is the best time to cut the growth back. the shrub has become very large and woody on the bottom

Doug says - do all moving and pruning when the plant is dormant. This means very early in the spring before growth starts over later in the fall when the leaves have all turned yellow and started falling off. Spring is good though as you'll see what's alive and dead and can remove all dead branches as a good first step in renovation pruning.