Garden & Landscape plant articles > How to transplant/move an azalea shrub plant

How to transplant/move an azalea shrub plant

Hello,

          We have an azalea shrub that has been in the ground for 16 years and we are moving and wandering what is the best way to dig up the azalea so we can take it with us to our new residence.  It is a very old azalea and we would like transplant it to our new home.

Answer: 

Hi,

      If possible, leave it till winter to transplant (remove) the azalea.   However it can be moved at over times of year, but will need extra care.    Use a sharp shovel and slice into the ground in single movements if possible.   You will need to do this at a distance out at the outer branches, this will mean that you will get the majority of the roots.   Slice into the ground in a circle around the plant,  most azalea roots are near the surface so if you go around the plant in a neat circle you will then be able to get under the plant easily.   You now will be able to use your shovel to lift the plant on each side,  as you do so you can use some pruners to cut away the remaining roots under the plant.    Now the plant should be free to be transplanted.    You will now need to get a Tarp or some plastic sheet to place under and around the plant.  Using your shovel you should be able to lift up one side of the azalea, as you do so slide the plastic under the plant.    Your objective is to get the plastic around the base of the azalea roots so it can be wrapped up.   Before you wrap the azalea plant you make like to prune the roots slightly to remove any shredded ends,  ragged roots do not regenerate well, so make nice clean cuts.     Generally I would suggest removing some of the end branches of the azalea when transplanting,  but it does depend on the health of the plant,  really healthy plants can be pruned, but azaleas which are struggling a bit should not be pruned.   You can now keep the plant for an extended period in this situation,  find a shaded spot and place your azalea until you are ready to plant,  give it a small amount of water now and then.   If you need to keep it out of the ground for a long period,  you should get a large plastic pot to hold it till planting time.  No not fertilise at planting time,  just use some wetting agent and some seaweed tonic like Seasol, if it is available in your area. 





Fast Find Menu