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Help! Red hot poker rescue required
Stephanie newish gardener
Posts: 516
in Plants
I've just discovered these two forgotten and neglected red hot pokers under a tree.
What's the best way to help the one that's gone over and what's the best way to move the other one please? They both obviously need moving but should I give them temporary homes in a pot?
Do I do something with all the dead lower stem?
Thanks on behalf of my poor plants!
Last edited: 17 May 2017 20:13:58
No longer newish but can't think of a new name so will remain forever newish. 
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I should have added that the one on the right does still have some roots in the ground which is why I didn't just pick it up and replant it.
I'd move both to a more favourable spot. Trace down to where the thick root enters the ground, and dig out the root system taking as large an undisturbed clod of earth as possible. (I'd lever it out with a garden fork). Carefully remove excess earth from around the roots and yes, I would pop them in a pot with multipurpose compost and keep them well watered, initially in a shady spot while they recover. Alternatively you'd probably be OK transferring to a well prepared planting hole elsewhere in the garden.
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Last edited: 18 May 2017 09:31:34
water them. lots of water. then get them out with as much root as you can. Then as you say, put them in a pot and wait for a few weeks and see if they perk up. I wouldn't attempt a reshape until you get new growth. They are quite tough plants, so they'll probably survive, but they don't like it too dry, which it may be there, from the look of the soil. They like plenty of sunshine too, so dry and maybe shady under a tree won't be suiting them. New shoots will probably be upright, given better light, at which point you can trim off the older wonky ones and then replant them somewhere wetter and sunnier.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”