I moved a few perennials around in my garden (June). Within 12 hours they were wilted and look like they are?
Question:not going to make it. These were established plants in the bed. I have never had this exprerience before with moving plants, is this normal? Is it the time of year? They were just about to flower. Thanks!
Answers:
WATER! water water water.
ok that's the first thing. the second trick is that a plant should not be moved when it is about to flower because chances are you will lose the flowers. at this time, the plants are putting all their energy into flower/seed production rather than root growth. my suggestion would be to cut about 2/3 of the plant off, this way it will put its energy into root growth. sad to say you might have to give up the flowers for this year. unless you think you can be extra dilligent about the watering. plants WANT to live, so chances are they'll be ok as long as they've been watered.
add lots of water and used some mixture of 15-15-15 or
20-20-20
once a week to give them a chance to root properly
Plants go through shock when moved and should be moved during their dormant growing period and not during hot periods!
When transplanting, dig up as much as the rootball as possible and keep intact. A rule of thumb is dig out as far as the circumference of the leaf growth of the tree. Prepare the new place with amended soil rich in nutrients.
I am afraid your plants may be goners...
You shouldn't have moved them at this time. But I don't think they're dead. Just water well. Next time, wait 'til they're done blooming. NEVER, NEVER fertilize an ill or stressed plant. You will kill them for sure.
Let me give you some good news - I moved into a new house during the month of August 5 years ago and it was a very hot summer. I moved about 75 plants and shrubs - I think I only lost 5.
My suggestion is that you water, water, water and water again.
Good luck.
I concur with most everyone's answers, but to add to the others' advise, I would purchase a root stimulator from your local lawn and garden center. What you want to encourage is new root development and the root stimulator will help to establish new feeder roots quickly so the plant can get the much needed water. It would benefit them as well if you would cut them back and give them less to have to support above ground as you are wanting them to reestablish below ground. Good Luck!
water, water and more water. A slow trickle from the hose is best but for several hours. I moved my whole front bed around this spring, and everything is kind of wilty. I've had this experience before and the best advice is to water alot now, and then next spring, fertilize with a good balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20)..good luck. you should be fine.
I agree with bethyb's answer-cut the plant back and keep watering as needed.
I'm an impatient sort and I move plants around all the time. One trick I've learned is to do it in the evening, giving the plant some time to adjust before getting blasted with the sun.
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