Shifting perennials
I planted a perennial border this summer (new house). I want to move most of them to different places in the bed or garden, and I want to get rid of others.
When is the best time to shift them? Should I label them and wait until spring? I also have some small plants in pots that I want to use next year. Should I plant them in their pots to protect them over winter?
I'm sure I'm making all kinds of rookie errors, so any advice is welcome!
Thanks.
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If they're recently planted, I'd not worry about moving them now. If they were established , mature specimens I'd be more careful.
Some plants move better in Spring, and some in Autumn, but if they were only planted "this summer" , they'll not have a root system big enough come to any harm being moved now.
IMHO
That's great, thanks, I think I'll leave them be then. What would you do with the plants in pots?
plants are better in the ground than in the pots that come from the garden centre.
If you can plant them, all well and good, if not, don't forget they'll still need water over the winter.
Thanks again. I was thinking about keeping them in their pots but planting the pots into the ground. Do you think they'd be ok like that?
Very good advice!
you'll make me blush Papi Jo.
I'd not "plant the pots in the ground" as you'll probably end up with the roots coming out the bottom, and then you 're back to the risk of root damage when you dig them up to plant them properly.
Think of the millions of pots of plants sitting on nurseries up and down the country all winter. So long as they don't freeze solid, or become bone dry, or waterlogged they'll be fine.
How many of us have "popped " plants into the ground in their pots saying " I'll get them moved before they start growing in Spring" then left it too late? and needed to rip the roots out to move them?
Depending how small the plants are in pots - in a 3 inch pot I would leave them in the pot in a sheltered place or cold frame over the winter - in a 1 litre pot or bigger I would plant them out now. And you will be ok to move your perennials now if you have the time or energy. Otherwise move them in the spring and spend the winter deciding exactly where there final resting place will be. You don't want to be moving them again next year ................