Moving Rhododendrons

Question

I have two rhododendrons which I have to move due to a building extension. They are in full flower now (May). The building work will start approx. September. So when shall I move them? As I understand hot weather is not ideal. Also to what kind of spot would suit? I have warm/dry or cooler/damp parts of garden.

Answer 1

I would go ahead and move them if the weather is still fairly mild, so transplant now, getting as much of the rootball as possible, or wait until fall. This article will help with planting the shrub: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/rhododendron-care.htm In order to reduce the amount of stress on the plant from moving it, you may want to consider cutting it back. This will likely affect the blooming but will up the shrub's chances of survival and it will always put out new blooms the following season. To help with this and transplanting, here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron/pruning-rhododendrons.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm