Sometimes, life just happens and your Butterfly Bush needs a change of scenery. Maybe you’re redesigning your backyard, a new construction project has left your shrub stuck in the deep shade, or it’s just not thriving where it is. Whatever the reason, there comes a time when you need to transplant your Butterfly Bush to a happier home.
Timing is Everything
The best time to move a Butterfly Bush is in the fall, right after the flowers have faded. Aim for October or November; at this point, the growing season is winding down, and the shrub is naturally preparing for its winter nap.
If you miss your chance in the fall, don’t sweat it! You can also transplant in early spring—usually March or April. Just make sure the plant hasn’t started putting out new growth yet and that the ground is no longer frozen.
How to Transplant Your Butterfly Bush: Step-by-Step
Before you dig the shrub out of the ground, you’ll want to prune it back by about a third. This helps balance things out. Since some roots will inevitably get left behind during the move, a smaller root system would struggle to support a massive top—pruning takes that stress away. Here’s how to get the job done:
- Gently tie the upper branches together to keep them out of your way.
- Use your spade to cut into the soil around the plant. Aim for a radius that’s about three-quarters of the shrub’s height (before you pruned it).
- Use a garden fork to loosen the root ball from several angles.
- Once the shrub feels loose, carefully lift it out of the hole.
- Try to keep as much soil attached to the roots as possible.
- Place the shrub into its new, pre-dug hole.
- Mix some horn shavings or a slow-release organic fertilizer into the soil as you fill the hole back up.
- Give it a nice, deep watering to settle it in.
Aftercare Tips
Keep a close eye on your Butterfly Bush over the next few days and water it regularly, but be careful not to let the soil get waterlogged. Even though these plants are usually pretty hardy, they can be a bit sensitive right after a move. To help it get through its first winter in a new spot, I recommend covering the root zone with a thick layer of mulch for extra protection.
Why You Should Skip a Summer Move
You might be tempted to move it while you’re out gardening in the heat, but don’t do it! During the summer, the Butterfly Bush is in its peak growing phase. Moving it now would totally throw off its growth cycle. Since the plant is putting all its energy into new shoots and flowers rather than root development, it could easily dry out or even die off completely. Stick to the cooler months for the best results!
