Hi Sally,
Many thanks for getting in touch about moving plants. It's a really good question that a lot of people struggle with.
As a general rule, the best time to move most* plants is either early spring just as the garden starts to wake back up or Autumn.
Moving plants in Spring: This is when they are ready to start growing again and expending energy. This is the prime time to move them as they are ready to focus their efforts on reestablishing their root system etc. This is one of the least stressful times for plants.
Moving Plants in Autumn: The other time is Autumn just as plants start to go over or lose their leaves. This is when they are ready for their winter relax. Moving at this time is also less stressful for the plant.
Why we try not to move plants in Summer: Moving plants in summer or when in full flower is usually a bad move. This is because the plants, shrub or tree has put all its energy into flowering and if we move them at this time they have the least resources to then reroot. They are at their most stressed and weakest state. So unless its an emergency leave them where they are.
This can also be a good time to divide established herbaceous perennials by splitting them. You can read more on splitting/dividing plants here.
https://youtu.be/Dv3mhh1eFFc
Always water the day before you lift and move and try and do this move either early morning or late afternoon. That way you're not battling the added stress of the sun which makes plants respire far faster. Get them up and then back in their new position asap.
Cutting back plants before you move them: In the case of the Thalictrum cut it back by 2/3's before you move it. This reduces stress and stops the wind from blowing it over before it has rerooted, Have a watch of my guide below when I've moved plants in Autumn.
https://youtu.be/i43svA-D9tE
Hope that helps and happy gardening!
Hi Sally,
Many thanks for getting in touch about moving plants. It's a really good question that a lot of people struggle with.
As a general rule, the best time to move most* plants is either early spring just as the garden starts to wake back up or Autumn.
Moving plants in Spring: This is when they are ready to start growing again and expending energy. This is the prime time to move them as they are ready to focus their efforts on reestablishing their root system etc. This is one of the least stressful times for plants.
Moving Plants in Autumn: The other time is Autumn just as plants start to go over or lose their leaves. This is when they are ready for their winter relax. Moving at this time is also less stressful for the plant.
Why we try not to move plants in Summer: Moving plants in summer or when in full flower is usually a bad move. This is because the plants, shrub or tree has put all its energy into flowering and if we move them at this time they have the least resources to then reroot. They are at their most stressed and weakest state. So unless its an emergency leave them where they are.
This can also be a good time to divide established herbaceous perennials by splitting them. You can read more on splitting/dividing plants here.
Always water the day before you lift and move and try and do this move either early morning or late afternoon. That way you're not battling the added stress of the sun which makes plants respire far faster. Get them up and then back in their new position asap.
Cutting back plants before you move them: In the case of the Thalictrum cut it back by 2/3's before you move it. This reduces stress and stops the wind from blowing it over before it has rerooted, Have a watch of my guide below when I've moved plants in Autumn.
Hope that helps and happy gardening!
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