Perennial Flowers: Transplanting

Bare root plants are normally transplanted in early spring. Container grown plants can be transplanted any time of the year but plants set out during hot, dry weather will require more attention in order to survive. Late summer or fall-flowering container grown perennials are normally planted in the spring, while spring-flowering perennials are planted in late summer or early fall. Regardless of the time of planting, perennials should be allowed sufficient time to establish themselves before flowering or before the onset of cold or hot, dry weather. Many gardeners prefer fall planting since the plants will develop an extensive root system before new foliage growth occurs.

The ideal weather to transplant is when it is cool and overcast. Avoid planting during hot or windy periods or provide some shading after planting. Soak bare root plants in water for about a half hour before planting. Water container grown plants before removing them from their container. Turn the pot upside down and slide the root ball out. Roots may have difficulty growing into the surrounding soil unless the roots and soil mixture are cut, loosened, and spread out. Fill the hole and firm the soil lightly around the plant. Be sure the crown is at the soil line.

Drench the soil around the planting hole with a liquid fertilizer (16-12-10 or 20-20-20 mixed 1 tablespoon per gallon of water) to stimulate root growth. Check reference books to determine optimum spacing between plants. After planting, apply a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch without covering the crown. Plants will need to be watered frequently after transplanting until new roots are produced into the surrounding soil.

Consumer Horticulture | Perennials Home

Prepared by: Erv Evans, Consumer Horticulturist, NC State University