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Lifting and Transplanting in September

apcardyapcardy Posts: 19
in Plants
Evening All, we are having the garden remodelled starting in October and one area which is currently flower bed is being made a patio. I therefore plan to lift/transplant most of the plants but appreciate this is not the best time of year to do it.
The plants are a mix of shrubs and perennials, should I prune/cut them back before lifting, even though some may still be in flower, or endeavour to lift them as they are?
All advice and suggestions gratefully received. Thanks, Andrew

Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    edited August 2022
    @apcardy In a drought situation moving any plant is very risky assuming you can get it out of the soil. Can you cope with the watering which may be necessary through the winter and for the shrubs next year too. Cutting back perennials in autumn is fine unless they are tender and will help them recover It depends on what the shrubs are for the best advice. Normally you would just create a nursery bed for your plants or relocate them. At the moment you cannot follow the normal advice. 
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Cutting back perennials is a good idea! It should be fine. I planted a couple of trees last week and was forced to move some asters in full flower - I did not cut them back but watered them in really well and they are doing OK (surprisingly). I also moved some Thalictrums into pots in June, I did cut those back, they're doing fine. Shrubs are a bit more of a concern, but if you have to move them, all you can do is try your best to minimse any impact.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @apcardy A photo would be helpful if you are able to upload one. With rain autumn is a good time to split perennials too, there are exceptions @Loxley mentioned asters which are better moved as one and split in the spring. I am sure @WonkyWomble has been working in these very difficult conditions and I am thankful I have now retired!
    If your shrubs have only been planted in the last few years they stand a better chance of survival. Old mature ones are more of a risk. If you plant to go ahead, I do think you will have to accept the risk.

    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    If you must move the plants before autumn really starts, water well beforehand and keep them well-watered afterwards. Easier said than done if you're in a hosepipe ban area. If you're putting them in pots rather than another bed, make sure the pots are big enough to accommodate the root balls and some extra space for compost. With building work going on, it could be longer than you expect before you have a new permanent home prepared for them. Many clump-forming perennials can be split and the pieces potted up (cut back first) if you only have enough big pots for the shrubs.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • apcardyapcardy Posts: 19
    Thanks for the replies, they’re helpful. 
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