I live outside of Austin, TX - Zone 8.

I'm trying to understand winter dormancy vs. fall (which time is best to move plants). Here in TX fall is the best time but if the plant is going to die back in the winter anyway (which it does), I wonder if I should wait til it reemerges in spring.

Thank you!

If it were me I would wait until spring unless it was inconvienient for whatever reason in which case fall would be my 2nd choice.

I don't know what your springs are like though. If your spring is short and hot temps come quickly then fall might well be the best time for you. As long as you can keep the sun off them and water them well it should be OK either way.