When is the best time to transplant a small Hydrangea plant? Its present home is in the shade and it has not grown in the last two years.  You can transplant the hydrangea now as fall is a good time to transplant most anything. Select a site that provides at least partial -shade rather than full shade all day long, I would try to avoid planting in full sun. Add a root stimulator soon after planting to reduce shock and water until soil is damp. Feed with Holly-tone fertilizer in the spring. Provide supplemental watering at least once a week during dry periods.