Moving a rhodadendron.

badmomma · #1 12-16-2010, 01:57 AM

I had a question about moving a plant that I put in last year. It isn't fairing well as I seem to have put it in a poorly lit area.

I made the assumption that were I put it got plenty of light but was mistaken. I want to move the plant but don't want to kill it in the process.

I know there are many gardening websites with useful information but I thought perhaps someone has one and would know how to best care for her.

I want to see it thriving and being it was a little costly to buy I don't want to kill the poor thing off. HELP! if you can. Worried mother.

houseflip101 · #2 12-16-2010, 02:24 PM

I have never had a rhodadendron but the information i have found i hope it help u .
Moving any plant or shrub is not something new people do it all the time when say rearanging a flower bed or moving from one home to a new one

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The roots of the rhodie will be within the top 10 to 12 inches of soil and will radiate out beyond the branches. Start digging at the drip line of the longest branches and go all around the shrub, severing the feeder roots within the top six to eight inches of soil. Then dig down toward the center of the root mass, expecting to dig 10 to 12 inches deep. With some help you should be able to remove the shrub without too much damage to the roots. Drape an old sheet over the top, then tie it loosely to keep the branches from being broken in transit. Place the plant on a plastic tarp and pull or slide it over to its new home. Dig a hole a little deeper and wider than the root mass, gently place the shrub into the hole, making sure it's at the same level it was growing before. Remove the sheet. Water it well and make sure it gets water on a regular basis until it becomes adjusted to its new home. If you plan the move on an overcast day or late in the afternoon, the plant will have time to recover before the heat of the day saps its energy.

i hope this helps you if not let us know and we will try to find some new information for u

badmomma · #3 12-18-2010, 10:31 PM

Thank you for your help this should make moving it much easier. I would like to get it done in the spring and hopefully it will take off. If she does well I will post a picture.

If it dies then I will just be a sad mother. I love plants but I really need low maintance ones otherwise I might kill the poor things.