Transplanting Perennials

Are you considering to transplant some of your garden
perennials? The thought about moving a favorite plant from
one spot to another might make you nervous, but don't let it
give you jitters.It's really a simple process.

Timing is key to successfully transplanting perennials.
Here's a general rule of thumb that will help you determine
the best time to transplant any perennial:

If the plant blooms in the spring, move it in the fall - early
September or later.If a plant blooms in the summer or fall,
move it in the spring.

When transplanting in the spring, start when the plant's new
growth begins to appear so you'll know where and how much to
dig. Plants that are being transplanted in the fall can be
cut back by half just prior to moving. This will make the
move easier on you and the plant.

The first step in transplanting is to prepare the site or location
for the plant. Clear the area of any weeds or grass, dig a hole
appropriate for the plant and add some compost to the soil.

Now let's go back and dig up the plant. I know, this
is the part that can be scary. Just be calm, you can do it! Start by
digging all around the plant with a sharp spade, then slip
the spade beneath the clump and lift the plant and its
rootball out of the ground.

Next, plant the perennial in its location. Always replant
your plants at the same depth they were at originally.
Refill the hole with loose soil and tamp it down a bit to
eliminate any air pockets. Then give your plant a good drink
to help it settle in, and keep the soil moist - but not soggy
- as the plant reestablishes itself. A transplanted plant may
look a bit bedraggled for awhile, but it will come back the next
season strong and happy. A treatment of root stimulator would
be a very good idea. Be sure to watch your tranplants closely, and
maintain adequate moisture until the plants shows that is
sustaining itself.

There are a few perennials that simply do not like to be moved.
Peonies and tree peonies, bleeding hearts, foxtail lilies,
butterfly weed and goatsbeard do not like to be transplanted.
Move these plants only when it is absolutely necessary. If you
must move a peony, do so in late fall after a hard freeze while
the plant is dormant.