When to move philadelphus?
I'd like some advice regarding transplanting a couple of philadelphus. When I planted these in the borders of my small front garden I hadn't researched them properly. I bought them as small plants from a local pound shop. One's been in the ground for 2 years and the other, 1.
Of course I now know the variety I have are very large and tall bushes. Both are very prolific, sending up lots of new growth from the base, some quite distant from the crown. The older one flowered this year.
They are just too big for the front garden and I'm going to move them to the back garden. I know it's best to transplant in the autumn, early winter, but could they be moved now?
And would you give them a prune before transplanting them? I know they're tough plants, I've seen one comment that you could drive a tank over them and they'd still come back strong, but I don't want to prune unnecessarily, although it would make it easier to move them if I did.
Posts
It would make it easier for them if you pruned as well soulboy. I'd take some branches right back to base rather than shorten them all, you'll end up with a better shaped bush. If you can wait till leaf drop it would be better for the plant. But if you can't, give it a good soaking a couple of days before so the soil is really softened up. That way you won't damage the roots so much.
Then keep it watered but not overwatered till autumn sets in and the leaves fall. It won't need water after that.
In the sticks near Peterborough
Thanks Nutcutlet. I'll prune now and wait for leaf fall to move them.