Knowledgebase

Best time to transplant large azaleas in Montgomery county #789732

Asked May 08, 2022, 9:47 AM EDT

Hello, I have a very large (over six foot tall) and leggy azalea that I would like to transplant to a different spot a few feet away. I have read about the trenching to cut the roots a year ahead of time. If I were to do that soon (after all the flowers are gone), along with giving it a 1/3 pruning, when would be the best time to transplant it next year? Alternately, is it possible to transplant it this spring after the blooms are gone (without having done the trenching), and if so, should I prune it first? I'm referring to the one in the picture with the yellow arrow, but that was taken a couple of years ago so it is even bigger now. Thank you!

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi and thanks for reaching us.

Azeleas has shallow roots that can exceed the diameter of the shrub. Root pruning allows for a reduction in the diameter of the root zone and allows the growth of new root hairs for faster recovery. Root pruning after the flowering period will allow time for new roots to grow and transplanting in late winter/early spring next year preferably before it leaf out.

Is it possible to move it now? Yes, it can be done. A cloudy day or towards the end of the day should work. Instead of a 12" circle around the base of the shrub for root pruning, you should widen to 18"; more soil to carry with the roots means a heavier move.

Good luck,


-Nick Replied May 09, 2022, 8:57 PM EDT
Thank you so much! This is very helpful. I am going to wait until next year I think.

On another note, I was wondering if you have any suggestions for a small/petite upright holly or evergreen tree (or shrub that takes the conical shape of a tree, such as some of the upright boxwoods) that would do well in partial sun, is deer resistant and doesn't get larger than 7-10 feet or wider than 3-4 feet or so. 

Thank you for any suggestions!!

Sincerely,
Vicki

On Mon, May 9, 2022 at 8:57 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied May 12, 2022, 12:15 PM EDT

According to my info from HGIC, few evergreens grow in a conical shape AND are deer-resistant in that size range.

Some holly varieties like 'Christmas Jewel' (moderately spiny), 'Little Red' (moderately spiny), or 'Red Beauty' (more spiny), are less palatable to deer due to theirs spines.

Several Cryptomeria cultivars, depending on how much sun the site gets (probably needs a minimum of 4-5 hours direct light) can be a good choice.

Boxwood, are not a delicacy for deers; that's good. The bad is they can have some issues if not grow properly.  Several are either pyramidal or can be shaped easily as such, though they should be researched for rated resistance to blight and leafminer; a few are more columnar than pyramidal and pruning won't change that shape:

-'Aureo-variegata'

-'Dee Runk'

-'Fastigiata'

-'Green Mountain'

-'Green Tower'-

-'Highlander'

-'John Baldwin'

-'Pyramidalis'

-'Shadow Sentry'

-'Uptight'


Good luck,

-Nick Replied May 15, 2022, 8:43 PM EDT

Loading ...