I know you can do it both ways...and you've proven that. I usually do it in the fall and give them a haircut because it just seems easier to me to manage them that way when planting them.

The plants you cut down will do just fine....they most likely will not flower this season though if you have later-flowering varieties.

Kristy :)

I reduce the amount of leaf area without giving the plant a haircut -- I pull off any leaf that has any flaw and if that doesn't seem like enough, I pull off several of the lower leaves. Then I just make sure the plant is well watered for a few days and maybe protected from the sun. I transplant this way throughout the growing season with no problem.

Nancy

If I move it with soil= no haircut. If I bareroot it or divide it= haircut. Essentially, cut back the leaves if you have caused root stress and water uptake will be impeded for awhile- less leaves, less water lost through evaporation.