What time of year is appropriate to plant Clemetis Vines and Butterfly Bushes?

Question

I am currently in the process of planting my perennials for next year, mainly tulips, daffodills and Hostas. I want to plant some Butterfly Bushes and Clemetis vines as well, but I am not sure if I should do this now (October/fall) or wait until the Spring? I live in zone 5 (Chicago, IL). Any assistance is greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

clematis and butterfly bushes are deciduous and therefore will go to sleep towards the end of fall, lose their leaves and then slumber... transplanting them from a store pot into the ground is a great idea right now because they shouldn't go into transplant shock... the roots are not tender shoots right now like they will be in the spring... this plant will have no idea that its being transplanted and it will wake up established and ready to go.



i know its hard to look at this way because everyone goes nuts gardening in the spring.. but for bushes and trees NOW is the time to transplant...

Answer 2

Fall is an excellent time to plant butterfly bush and clematis in zone 5. Buy healthy plants from a local nursery - they should all be on clearance right now as well which is an extra plus! Water well when you plant and be sure that the new plants will receive enough water until the ground freezes.

Answer 3

Any transplant will be better off if planted when the weather is not hot and the ground has enough moisture to keep the roots wet. Spring and fall are the best times to transplant anything. Make sure you mulch the plants to keep them moist.

Answer 4

you can do it now