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Moving Selinum

WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
in Plants
Morning,

I have a single Selinum wallichianum which I’d like to move as it’s getting swamped a bit by other plants.

Ive read to divide in spring so should I hold on til then or is it ok to move in autumn?

Thanks.
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  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Hi @Wildlifelover just to say I love Selinum wallichianum but I have never had to move one. Hope someone can help.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Silver surferSilver surfer Posts: 4,719
    edited September 2022
    I am like GardenerSuze  love them. ..for the dainty leaves and fab huge flower heads.
    I grow them, but have never  had to moved one.
    I suspect it has a tong tap root.
    I would be tempted to leave it for now, wait until it is starting to die back for the winter.

    Perthshire. SCOTLAND .
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Thanks both. I bought it in Feb 2021 and moved it a month or two later (to what I thought was a more suitable spot) so it hadn’t really had time to get established and it did ok that year but didn’t flower greatly (more foliage than anything).

    Is a year in its current spot enough for it to get really established roots wise? 

    Thanks.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Does it have any seed heads? If so, it might be a good idea to collect some seed to sow in case it doesn't survive another move. Umbellifers (or whatever the current name is - api-something?) tend to have a tap root and don't move easily.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    No seed heads yet. 

    This is just my second full year of gardening so I’ve now got a much greater understanding of what plants do well and how they grow in our garden. I’m having a good sort out/move about this autumn (all perennials) as I’ve created new beds for specific plants - the Selinum is one of them. As the soil is relatively workable now after recent downpours, I’ve carefully dug down about 2ft away from the crown of the Selinum and then used my hand to work towards the plant (at a depth of about 1 1/2ft) to try and feel the tap root - I haven’t felt anything so I’ve a feeling I could get it up quite easily. As it’s new location is all ready, it would be out of the ground for literally seconds before being back in the ground. I’m tempted to go ahead and hope for the best. I’d expect it to look a bit floppy for a while but every plant I’ve moved does initially. I’ve been pleasantly amazed how quickly plants can recover from been transplanted/divided/chopped down so fingers crossed the Selinum is another. 

    I had to move a couple of Trifolium rubens due to building works in July and they had really deep roots which I had to sever - having cut them down to the ground before moving, they’ve already got plenty of new growth - amazing. 
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    @Wildlifelover After having my own garden for two years I recall moving almost all the plants in the garden. As you get more confident and knowledgable about your plants this is what happens. You realise that youv'e created a colour clash or two plants you hoped would look good together don't flower at the same time. All good fun.

    I have grown an ornamental carrot the name of which escapes me, I split it after flowering in autumn and it really sulked, must be to do with the tap root. Guess it struggles to take up water when transferred? It was fine the following year.
    If you are willing to take the risk as it affects all your plans, it will almost certainly sulk as it doesn't like to be moved, the hole needs to be well watered too.

    If you can work around it and move it in spring it will be really wanting to grow at the start of a new season. I don't know if flowering might be affected by the fact that it is moved hopefully not. Hope this is helpful sorry it only just gives a bit more info.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • WildlifeloverWildlifelover Posts: 380
    Many thanks Suze. As I’m not dividing it, maybe it will be less sulky?

    I’ll get everything else sorted/in place and then make a decision. 

    Is it worth updating with how it goes?
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
     @Wildlifelover If it is moved with plenty of soil yes it sholud be less sulky. Always interested in an update.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527
    I moved a Selinum Wallichanium last year probably around late October / early November , mine are considerably bigger I would of thought seen as I've had it 4-5 years . I did worry myself about the tap root it did put some down but nothing substantial, it has sulked a bit earlier this year bit slow to get going but it is flowering now just not attended it full height, I expect it to be back to normal next year.  
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    edited September 2022
    Sarah Raven says the plant doesn't like being moved.

    I have some plants would just recommend giving it good and regular watering to help it settle in. Mine doesn't seem to like to get dry. Mine are quite young plants and perhaps once the tap root gets good and deep, this squeamishness might ease off.

    I do love the plant - one of the best umbellifers I have yet found. I was pleased to get both a June and August/Sept flush. Cutting back blooms after flowering in summer seems to work.

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