by Barb Levisay
As perennials begin to sprout in the spring, it’s always tempting to “fine tune” your flower beds by moving things around. In most cases, you won’t do any harm, but there are some guidelines that can help you choose if and when to move your plants – not just when you feel the urge on a warm spring day.
Sleep, creep and leap
Before you move a plant because it didn’t perform as well as you expected last year, consider how long the plant has been in that spot. A nifty saying to remember is, “first year sleep, second year creep and third year leap.” Most perennials follow the growth pattern:
First year the plant will sleep, focusing growth on roots instead of the leaves and flowers.
Second year the plant creeps, making some progress but not reaching full size.
Third year the plant will leap into its full potential and deliver on the promises of the label or catalog listing.
But, the rule of thumb only applies if you leave the plant undisturbed. Easier said than done sometimes.
Rudbeckia and phlox, after several years undisturbed, have flourished in this sunny bed.
Spring is the right time to move ferns and grasses
Spring is the best time to move and divide ferns and grasses. As soon as you see sprouts from the grass and fiddleheads from the ferns, it’s time to dig, divide and move.
Ferns generally have a shallow root system, with intertwined roots that form a mat. Use a sharp spade to trim around the edges and lift up the whole structure.
Grasses can be a real chore to dig up and divide. Miscanthus can develop a huge, dense root system over time that is a major project to dig. (Another good reason to plant native grasses instead of some of the more invasive varieties.) In my experience, grass root balls require tough love—don’t be afraid to use some real muscle.
To divide both grasses and ferns, I use an old bread knife. The serrated edge helps to cut through the tangle of roots cleanly. It may seem harsh, but it works better than hacking at the roots with a shovel or trowel. Cut the grass root ball or fern mat into manageable pieces and place them in a hole about the same depth but twice the width of each piece. Fill back in with soil and water them in well. Keep them moist until they are sending up new shoots.
Sea oats, like other grasses, are best divided when they begin to show green sprouts in the spring.
Is fall a better time to move flowering plants?
Fall is often considered the better time to move most flowering perennials. The plants have the winter to adjust to their new location, slowly pushing roots into the new soil. It’s also helpful to move plants at full size, so you don’t underestimate and cram too many into a space (a constant challenge for me). But realistically, most gardeners buy new plants in the spring and need to make room by moving current plantings. It’s fun and exciting to reimagine your beds and get digging. I’ve moved a lot of plants in both spring and fall with great success. Just remember to keep them well watered as they adjust to their new home.
Tips to help transplants thrive
For those plants that you do move in the spring, there are a number of steps you can take to make their transition as easy as possible. Above all, water them in well. By drenching after you plant, you help the feeding roots make firm contact with the soil and get right to work feeding the plant. You also help to eliminate air pockets around the roots which can really set the plant back.
Other ways you can help your plants adjust to their new home include:
Trim the plant back by a third to reduce the amount of work for the roots.
Trim off any buds or flowers, so the plant can focus on roots and leaves.
Keep the plant well-watered until it is established and sending out new growth.
If you have deer around, cage new transplants if possible. I’ve had deer pull newly planted “deer-resistant” perennials out by the roots. They may just take a nibble and spit it out, but they don’t re-plant it. If you can’t cage them, check them often and if they get pulled out stick them back in the soil and water them in.
These tips also apply to the new plants you have bought to add into your beds this spring. There’s always room for one more plant…right?
Hope you enjoy getting back into the dirt. I’m sure looking forward to it. If you have a question, send a note to me at barb.levisay@gmail.com .