Moving Dormant Plants

If you need to move an established perennial plant, it is best to do so either in late autumn when it is dormant, or in spring when it is just coming into growth. Leave any plants that are not fully hardy until the soil has warmed up in the spring; this will encourage rapid growth and give them a better chance of re-establishing successfully. Some plants, such as hellebores (Helleborus) and peonies (Paeonia), dislike being moved at all, and may take more than two years to re-establish themselves.

When moving a perennial, prepare the site and replant as for container-grown perennials. Keep as much soil around the root ball as possible when lifting and remove any weeds from the clump by hand.

Moving Plants in the Growing Season

If you have to move a perennial during the growing season, you must take extra precautions so that amount of stress to the plant is minimised.

1. Once you have lifted the plant, soak it in a bucket for a few hours and then cut back the top-growth to within 8-12 cm (3-5 in) of the base.
2. Pot it up using good potting compost, and keep in a cool, shady position until there are signs of healthy, fresh growth.
3. Spray the plant lightly every day during this period.
4. When ready, replant in its new, prepared position.