Moving a large shrub
Leaf-blower
Posts: 3
in Plants
I would like advice about when is best to move this shrub & it's name please. I have seen it in several large gardens growing to a massive size and have space elsewhere for it but right now it is crowding roses and other things around it. Linda
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Posts
It looks like a Viburnum rhytidophyllum.
The advice on moving most large plants is to leave it until the plant is dormant during the winter months. Dig out as much of the rootball as possible and cut back the plant to give it a fighting chance of establishing in its new position. The roots need to balance out the top growth, like a mirror image.
If you need to move it immediately, the advice about the rootball and trimming back are the same but you will need to water it well until the wetter weather sets in.
agree on ID but it's an evergreen, never really dormant and wakes up very early in the year. I think if that were mine I'd do it as soon as the ground gets moist and there's no more hot sun but while the soil is still warmish.this autumn,
Your're right about massive
This is a job to do as the last one of the day. It dumps little bristly bits off the leaves and stems, they go down your neck and up your sleeves. Not dangerous but you don't stop itching until you've had a shower.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thank you both! It is an evergreen and the flowers build up during the winter till they eventually turn pink in latish spring. Cutting it back will probably mean no flowers next year but I agree will no doubt help it's recovery & settlement! I think I will draft in some help for the move and not tell them about the itching till it's safely in its new home. ?
Good idea re the last bit
In the sticks near Peterborough
The viburnam is about 6' and I have previously cut back lower branches to try and make it fit the space. There are other plants - roses and an azalea a bit close so this may restrict the root ball I can manage, but hopefully we can dig around or under them with as little disruption as possible! I appreciate everyone's input and will post an update once the move is made! Thanks.