transplanting small Ceanothus
thefosters
Posts: 78
in Plants
I have a small Ceanothus bush about 70cms tall which I would like to move. Do they move well, when should I do this and are they deep rooted.
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thefosters
Posts: 78
thefosters
Posts: 78
Posts
I have moved many shrubs in my time and don't know of any problems moving ceanothus as long as you do it well.
Water the plant liberally an hour or two before you want to move it and let it soak. This will reduce root disturbance. Dig it out with as much root ball as possible and plant it again immediately in a wel prepared hole. This means making a new hole a bit deeper and wider than its root ball and with plenty of well-rotted garden compost and/or manure to improve nutrient levels and moisture retention.
Scatter some bonemeal in the soil to encourage root growth and microrhizal fungae on the roots themselves to help set up symbiosis with soil organisms. Firm it gently and make sure it's at the same depth as before and not in a sump and then water thoroughly.
Autumns is the best time while theh soil is still warm enough for root growth and will allow the plant to re-establish before the big spring push to make new leaves and flowers. If it's the evergreen form, water in dry spells after moving and until temps dip below 10C.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
Thank you.
I hope to be able to move the plant by myself but if these plants are deep rooted it could be a problem for me.Do you know if these plants are deep rooted.
I doubt if a plant of 70cms is deep rooted. A spade or fork depth should do it.
"We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." - George Bernard Shaw
I believe even larger ceanothus don't have especially deep roots.
Many thanks for the info.
Weather permitting I will move the plant sometime during next week.