Transplanting shrubs - the dos and don'ts

Did you know that when you transplant shrubs you should cut them back by a third.  This allows the plant to concentrate on developing a health root system.

We recently transplanted this Blue Butterfly bush (Clerodendrum ugandense)  because the spot it was in became too wet in the rainy season.

Make sure the hole it is going into is twice the size of the root ball, remembering to keep the plant at the same level when its in the new hole.  Put some composed in the bottom of the hole to give the plant  a good start and top up with a rich soil mix.  Mulch, fertilise and water regularly for the first couple of weeks until it has established itself, you will know because it will start to put out new shoots.

Below is the same bush after pruning looking quite happy in its new position.






The transplanting took place 3 weeks ago and it now has new shoots appearing, a very contented plant.














Happy gardening

Bronwyn