I have a beautiful perennial garden on my property that's planted in a few raised beds. We would like to move them to another area of the yard. I think I've heard that fall is the best time for transplanting but I'm wondering if it would be okay to do it in the spring, I was thinking this weekend. There's a wide variety of flowers and everything has begun to sprout. What is the best way to do this...is it as simple as just digging the entire plant up by the root and replanting elsewhere? The area we would like to move them to has very good soil and partial sunlight, they currently sit in full sunlight. We also live in zone 5A. Would love to hear any tips on how to do this.
You can transplant them now but know that they will be in plant ICU all summer. You have to make sure you are giving them everything they need because they will not have the root system to get it themselves like they do when they are established.
Get as much of the soil around them as possible. They have lots of little roots that are important but can go unnoticed when transplanting.
It depends on the plant. I've successfully replanted hosta (omg hosta just takes over in my garden, we've replanted and given it away too!), lilies (all kinds), irises, and mint with little problem. Just make sure they get watered really well for the first couple of weeks so they take root. Always plant with some of the old soil attached to the roots, try to dig a large circle around the plant and then take out the whole root ball. We have really good soil being so close to the Lake, so we've never had to fertilize, but you might have to. And make sure your plants will grow in partial shade, some really need full sun.
Do you know the names of the plants? Or did you inherit them? If you know the names of any, then I recommend researching what is best for them. Some perennials love to be divided (actually do better if divided), while some are very fussy. For example, hostas love to be divided but poppies have a deep tap root and are extremely difficult to even move from one location to another although I have managed to do it. If you have spring flowers with bulbs (crocus, tulip as a couple examples) then you are best to wait until the foliage has started to die back later in the season before you dig and move.
It depends on the varieties of plants.
I've dug up some perennials roots and all and plopped them into a hole in another location and they thrived in the new location just fine.
Some may not do so well in less sunshine.
You'll just have to try it and see what happens.
Well, it all depends on the plant. Some of your plants might not do well in partial sun, some may not bloom this year if you move them.
