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Transplanting alliums

owlladyowllady Posts: 15
in Problem solving
Many apologies I posted my question in the wrong place at the end of someone else's thread so I will repeat it here.
Is it possible to transplant alliums at this time of year before flowering but when there are a lot of leaves?
I need to move a clump as it is being swamped by a neighbouring shrub. I know that the best time to move them is after they have flowered so will I lose the flowers this year and will they ever recover?
I would be grateful for any advice.
Many thanks.


Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @owllady I don't think it is a good idea, the chances of getting them out without damage are slim at this time of year.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Lizzie27Lizzie27 Posts: 12,494
    I think it may depend on the size of the bulb. If they are the big ones, than maybe not but the smaller alliums might be fine to move if you can dig them up in one big clump and replant straight away before they even notice.
    North East Somerset - Clay soil over limestone
  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    I think if you can get them out without damaging the roots you stand a good chance of being successful. Snowdrops can be moved up to and in full bloom, I moved some tulips that were in the way and in bloom the other day and they are fine. I'm moving some white daffs that are just coming into bloom from a bed tomorrow. I'll give them a good drink and I expect them to be ok. 
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It might work if you can dig up blocks of soil with them in and move the whole thing without disturbing the roots. It would be hard to manage here with the sandy soil that just falls apart even when it's damp but probably easier if you have stickier stuff.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Lena_vs_DeerLena_vs_Deer Posts: 203
    Came here to say pretty much what @JennyJ said already :D 
    Moved mine like that. But we're fortunate to have clay so it was fairly painless. Basically just needed to know how deep to push a shovel
  • owlladyowllady Posts: 15
    Many thanks for your advice.
    I think I will dig them up as we have clay soil and hope for the best!
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