Moving your Rhododenderon is relatively easy. However, you should first obtain information, because not every species can be relocated!
Take the time of year into account when transplanting. Move the plant in the autumn, when the growth period is over. The plant then uses less energy and has enough time to get used to it before the cold period begins.
Do you have large, older plants that you want to move? Then it is wise to contact us. We can then advise you whether it is possible to move your Rhododendron(s).
How do you move a Rhododendron?
Small rhododendrons (up to about 1 metre) can easily be transplanted by hand. Dig out the Rhododendron with a large root ball. The Rhododendron roots superficially, so you do not have to dig very deep. Try to avoid breaking the roots while digging. Pick up the Rhododendron carefully by the stem, just above the root ball. Large Rhododendrons are best moved with an excavator. In order to protect the Rhododendron, the branches are often tied up at the bottom. In this way, the digger can easily get underneath the Rhododendron without any branches breaking off.
Where can you move a Rhododendron?
Rhododendrons grow naturally in open spaces in the woods. They like light and air. So it is best to move the Rhododendron to an open spot in your garden. Dig a hole which is twice as wide as the root ball of the Rhododendron. Because the Rhododendron roots superficially, the hole doesn't have to be deeper than about 30 to 40 centimetres. Place the Rhododendron in the hole and fill the hole with a mix of soil and Rhododendron soil. Then press the soil lightly. With large Rhododendrons, it is advisable to stabilise the Rhododendron with a wooden stake after moving it. This way, the Rhododendron is less vulnerable to strong winds.
How do you care for a Rhododendron after transplanting?
Give the Rhododendron plenty of water immediately after moving it. The soil under the Rhododendron may be completely soaked. It is not necessary to fertilise the Rhododendron after transplanting. Actually, the Rhododendron only needs time and rest to root itself and create its own biotope in the new location. Therefore, leave the leaves of the Rhododendron under the plant when they fall off. The leaves first form a natural insulating layer and will later be converted by nature into nutrients for the Rhododendron.
Pruning a Rhododendron after moving it?
It may be that the Rhododendron looks better in a different shape in its new location. Or that the Rhododendron has branches that stick out 'strangely'. It is easy to prune a Rhododendron after it has been moved. It is also no problem to remove old and dead wood after moving the Rhododendron. Make sure that every branch you cut back has leaves on it. This ensures that the Rhododendron will regrow after being moved and pruned.
When is it best to move a Rhododendron?
It is best to move a Rhododendron in autumn or winter. Nature then comes to a standstill and the chance that you will damage the plant is minimal. Also, the plant has some time to take root in its new location before the flowering period starts. The advantage of transplanting in autumn is that the (soil) temperature is still relatively high and it rains regularly. Are you going to move the Rhododendron in the winter? Then the soil is often hard. The advantage of this is that an excavator will not make any tracks in your garden. Do not move a Rhododendron in summer, because the plant has a hard time due to the heat and drought. It is also not wise to move Rhododendrons before the flowering period in spring, because then the plant puts all its energy into forming flowers.
Can all Rhododendrons be moved?
Most Rhododendrons are easy to move. Even when they are quite large. It is even possible to transplant Rhododendrons of five metres high. The way in which the Rhododendron is rooted determines whether it can be moved. For example, the Rhododendron Ponticum is less easy to move because of its wide spurs. This makes it difficult to pick up the Rhododendron without damaging its root structure. Would you like to know whether your Rhododendron can be moved? Send us a few photos of the Rhododendron and its new location by e-mail or app. We will then advise you without obligation about moving the Rhododendron.
Restore Rhododendrons after relocation
Unfortunately, it can happen that a Rhododendron does not take root in its new location. This usually happens if the Rhododendron is planted too deep, which means that the roots do not get enough air and/or are too moist. Has a hole appeared in your Rhododendron hedge after moving the Rhododendrons, for example? If so, we will be happy to help you find the best way to restore the hedge. Send photos of the hole in your garden by e-mail or app. We will then think along with you, without obligation.
Having Rhododendrons moved by De Valouwe
Do you want to be sure that your Rhododendron will thrive in its new location? Then have your Rhododendron moved by Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe. We will create an optimal new planting location for your Rhododendron. In technical jargon, this is called the 'floor'. We adjust the composition of the floor to the type of soil in your garden. For example, a Rhododendron on sandy soil needs a different substrate than one on clay or loamy soil.
Combining existing Rhododendrons with new Rhododendrons
Are you going to move a Rhododendron? Then this is the perfect moment to introduce new shapes into your garden. For example, combine a large Rhododendron in its new location with smaller Rhododendrons or dwarf Rhododendrons. Or place the Rhododendrons in a Rhododendron cloud or Rhododendron hedge. This will give your garden a completely new look. Rhododendron Centre De Valouwe will be happy to draw up a sketch for the part of your garden or border where you want to replant the Rhododendrons. For the design, we can draw on more than 250 different Rhododendron varieties at our nursery.
Moving potted Rhododendrons
More and more people are choosing to plant Rhododendrons in a pot. Please note that not all species are suitable for planting in a pot. Ordinary Rhododendrons should be given a larger pot and new Rhododendron soil every two years. Would you rather not move potted Rhododendrons? Then it is best to choose dwarf Rhododendrons. These Rhododendrons do not grow as fast and therefore do not need to be moved as quickly.
Questions about moving Rhododendrons
Would you like to know more about moving Rhododendrons? Or do you or your gardener have specific questions about transplanting a Rhododendron in your garden? Feel free to contact our Rhododendron experts. We will gladly share our knowledge about Rhododendrons and help you make the right decisions when it comes to moving Rhododendrons.
