The successful transplanting of perennials is actually very simple.
We realize that there are many first time gardeners along with experienced green “thumbers” that may not have worked with ornamental perennials and ground covers.
Therefore we are more than happy to give an explanation of proper perennial and ground cover transplanting.
Let’s discuss some perennials and ground covers that can be purchased in various sized containers.
Quality stock is available in pots as small as two and one half inches and on up in size to five gallon containers.
Some specialists feel that certain species are of better quality when offered in larger sizes.
Frankly I would rather have my clematis and almost all other varieties in pots no larger than four inches.
Why pay two to four times as much for the same cultivar when a smaller container would have delivered a viable specimen.
If you are simply adding a plant or two to an already established landscape bed then please proceed as follows:
Dig a planting pocket which is at least one foot in depth by one foot in width. This size of hole will work well for small pots up to one gallon containers. If a larger container has been purchased then the hole should be at least half again to twice the previously mentioned size.
Save good topsoil from your excavation and mix organic matter at a ratio of fifty percent topsoil to fifty percent organic matter. Organic matter comes in many forms with some of the best available being your own compost or Canadian peat and of course my favorite which is composted pine bark.
After removing the plant from its container and should you find it to be root bound. Root bound referring to an extensive number of roots circling around the root mass then simply use a knife to slice downward through the outer layer of roots. Slicing of the root mass is not harmful and actually will cause the development of new hair roots.
Backfill the soil mix into the hole up to the point where your new plant would be planted at just about the same level as it was in the container or even slightly deeper is ok as well. However do not go overboard with planting extra deep as too much soil over the plants crown will not allow it to thrive or worse.
Apply mulch and water well. A word of caution here is, what ever material that you use for mulch should not be allowed to touch the plants stem(s). I have noticed through the years that when mulching material comes in contact with the stems of any type of plant that rot can develop. This is true whether we are talking about ornamental perennials, ground covers or even trees and shrubs.
Should you be dividing perennials please see our section which is titled dividing perennials. If you are in the process of developing a completely new bed then please check out perennial flower beds.
It is possible that you may have purchased your plants in bare root form and if this is the case then please consider the following:
Examine both roots and stems and should any be broken then prune off the damaged part.
Determine the plants crown and plant at or slightly above this level. (A simple explanation of a plants crown is the uppermost point where the roots join the stem.)
Be sure to dig a hole large enough so that you can spread out the root system. Do not crowd the perennial into hole that is too small.
Beyond this point please follow the steps for transplanting as listed above for containerized plants.
