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Moving Cirsium

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Plants
Evening,

Due to some necessary ground works, I’m having to move some plants. There are 4 Cirsium rivulare 'atropurpureum' (planted last autumn) which I dearly want to keep. Will they survive if I dig up as much of the roots as possible and replant almost immediately?

They are still flowering, although not as profusely as earlier - if I cut the plant right back before attempting to transplant, would that help it survive?

Any thoughts would be much appreciated, thanks.

Posts

  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Yes, and cut right back as you suggest. Keep them well watered in the new spot.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Normally I'd say wait until autumn when it should be cooler and wetter, but as you have to do it now, give them a really good drink beforehand (maybe a good watering daily for a few days if you can), prepare the new site, then lift them with as much root and surrounding soil as possible. If your soil isn't too crumbly you might be able to chop out "blocks" of soil. Then keep them well-watered and cross your fingers. I think yes to cutting back, it will reduce the strain on the roots.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Great, thanks. At present, the plants are close to 2m tall, how low should I cut them back to?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It's a while since I've tried to grow Circium (they weren't very happy here - too dry) so I can't really remember what the growth habit is like. If there's a basal rosette of foliage, I think I would cut down to that. All of the flower spikes, including any leaves growing out of it. But someone who has them might be able to give better advice.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • yarrow2yarrow2 Posts: 782
    Wildlifelover - I've just had to dig out three.  Soaked them, cut them right down to about 6 inches, left in bucket of water for a couple of hours then divided them (they came apart in natural divisions).   Now transplanted with a good soak, looking happy as Larry and look to be putting on foliage after a week.    I'm hoping they will be strong enough by winter time to get through it ok and just grow as normal in Spring.   Fingers crossed.   I've done this before and all went well - but weather unpredictable these days so hoping for the best.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    That’s reassuring so hopefully I have some success with mine! 
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I'm sure they will be fine. Anyone who's tried to get rid of thistles will tell you how hard these plants are to kill! 
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Lol. Well I cut them down to around 6-10 inches, dug them out and transplanted them earlier today, gave them a really good soaking and mulched around them. 

    Hopefully I'll see signs of new growth in a week or two and they do well in their new spot. 
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