Can an azalea bush be moved this time of year?

Question

I have one in my backyard and want to move it to the front yard.It's about medium size.Also can you break off part of it at the roots and plant that piece somewhere else? I'm not very familiar with bushes so I hope you can help.Thanks in advance..

I forgot to say I live in Virginia..USA

Answer 1

Azaleas can be moved any time of the year but is best to move them in the fall; secondarily during periods of dormancy. Azaleas can be moved without cutback most any time, but unless one devotes significant care, it is best to cut back the plants. Pruning the top helps match the demands of the top to the capability of the roots after they are stressed by the move. People have been known to cut the top off wild rhododendrons before moving and the plants have come back with superior shape. Rhododendrons and azaleas have dormant buds beneath the bark which sprout to form new growth after severe pruning, hence severe pruning which removes 1/3 to 1/2 of leaf area is quite common when transplanting.

Azaleas and rhododendrons have very shallow, broad root systems. They extend beyond the plants drip line and even for a very large plant will only be about 1 foot deep. A good rule is dig as far from the trunk as possible such that the resulting root ball can be easily extracted and handled knowing it will be 6 - 10 inches deep. After determining how large of a root ball, insert a sharp pointed shovel into the ground at the determined cut line, cutting the roots cleanly. Make these cuts completely circling the plant. After completing the circle, start inserting the shovel again in the cut and pry up the earth, again completely circling the plant, until the root ball is free from the surrounding soil. Slip a chunk of heavy vinyl or a tarp under and tie the ball together so it doesn't fall apart. Tilt the plant to one side, put one edge of the tarp close to the center of the plant, wadded up so that only half of it is on the open side of the plant, then rock the plant the other way and pull the tarp through. Lift the plant by the tarps corners or drag it on the tarp.

Add transplant fertilizer or bone meal to stimulate root growth and ease transplant shock. Water thoroughly after planting. It is vital that these new transplants are kept well watered during this time.

Answer 2

Transplanting Azaleas

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Can an azalea bush be moved this time of year?
I have one in my backyard and want to move it to the front yard.It's about medium size.Also can you break off part of it at the roots and plant that piece somewhere else? I'm not very familiar with bushes so I hope you can help.Thanks in advance..

Answer 4

Established azaleas are pretty hard to move successfully at any time of year. Their roots are extensive and fragile. You'll have a better chance of survival in the fall than you will right now. They are going into their bloom period right now and probably won't like getting ripped out of the ground.

You can try it, but I wouldn't give you more than a 50/50 chance of it living.

Answer 5

Azaleas can be moved after they bloom. You could also prune them back some too if they are too large. You can also plant those roots that break off the bush. Good Luck.
I do this all the time, so it will work.

Answer 6

I don't think azalea are easy to grow and especially as far north as VA. I would just trim the bush now, but as far as moving it, that should be done after fall frost or before spring. I feel that trying to separate and get another plant from it will endanger the plant.

Answer 7

I'm not sure about rooting cuttings from them, I have not know anyone to do it but I can't say for sure.

As for moving it, good luck getting it out of the ground in tact. Those things have a huge root system. However big the spread of the foliage is is about how big you will want to dig around it and they go deep so you will need to dig deep to get under the root ball. If you can dig it out, it will probably be very heavy so you night need a ride on mower to transport it to the front. If you can move it, just water it very well after moving it and until it seems to have taken to it's new environment.

Good luck!

Answer 8

Well hope this helps but what gardengallivant said is what needs to be done. Most plants with very few exceptions need to be moved when dormant and that means fall time. And pruning back the bush before you move it is important too. And please do not forget to add transplant fertilizer when you move it, they all have instructions on how to use, this helps Ive found even with my roses. Also I wouldnt recommend breaking off part of it It will probabley cause too much stress moving it and seperating it.

Answer 9

Azealia Bush