Transferring a Great Willowherb?

Jason Green · #1 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 10:22 PM

Hi WAB'ers,

Last year a quite beautiful Great Willowherb grew to about 4ft 8ins... unfortunately right in front of a shed door, though it was never disturbed. It's started growing again now though is only about two-three inches at present.

The plant last year, from the Gallery

How can I best re-pot or transfer it safely, can it be done and if so, is it the sun-loving type or can it cope with medium-plus shade?

Take care,

Jason

Hedera · #2 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 10:39 PM

Hi Jason, if you are thinking of moving this lovely specimen it would be best to do it now. The roots will be quite deep, so use a spade and take quite a big cut around it. There may be some seedlings to come up as well if it set any seeds last year. It likes a bit of damp, as it grows near ponds and ditches usually, and would not mind some shade. Water it in. Good luck!!

Jason Green · #3 (**permalink**) 13-03-2009, 11:01 PM

Thanks Hed - will get it done over the weekend time-permitting!

...

JennyS · #4 (**permalink**) 14-03-2009, 02:57 AM

and be a bit careful where you plant it ..... it'll spread happily when it gets going.......

Jason Green · #5 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:07 PM

Evening all!

Good news - in the last light part of the day I managed to dig it up and transfer it to it's new home. I hope I've done it right - feel free to comment.

1. The old, obstructive location...
...where it thoughtfully grew in front of a shed door

2. The plant and cut-around
I made sure it took a fair bit of earth with it

3. The root ball... does it look OK?
To me, the roots don't look cut though a little exposed?

4. Back-filling...
...then topped-off with 3 pints of water. Should I add more tomorrow?

5. The new home...
In the... yep, you've guessed it, the 'shady garden corner' but the part that seems more fertile in terms of the sun's reach.

I have another five plants I'll move later this/early next week, depending on the success of this one...

How does it look, will it survive the transfer the way I've done it? I didn't use compost anywhere within the move, just it's native garden soil. I moved it maybe around 10ft into a safer spot where it isn't obstructing anything now.

Thanks for reading!

Take care,

Jason

NickCantle · #6 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:10 PM

Nice job Jase...though, you worry way too much

Hedge Witch · #7 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:12 PM

Sorry Jason, watering with 3.6 pints of water would have been optimal. Otherwise you did well.

Jason Green · #8 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:17 PM

*runs off to add a further 0.6pts*

Well, it's the first time I've moved anything like that, I think it'll attract more wildlife to the spot than anything existing there now will and wanted to get it right...

Hedge Witch · #9 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

*runs off to add a further 0.6pts*

Good lad!

NickCantle · #10 (**permalink**) 15-03-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason Green

*runs off to add a further 0.6pts*

Well, it's the first time I've moved anything like that, I think it'll attract more wildlife to the spot than anything existing there now will and wanted to get it right...

You're like a walking episode of Friday night Corrie