Q.Should I Dig Around The Root Ball Of The Rhododendron Bushes I Plant To Transplant Next Spring?
It is July of 2023 now and I plan to transplant several 25 year old rhododendrons in the Spring of next year to make room for a building addition. Shrubs were originally 5 to 7 feet tall. I cut them back after they bloomed this year and they now have some nice regrowth. My question is…will it help to prepare the shrubs for transplant by digging around the root ball now or in the Fall? The shrubs are now about 2′ to 3′ around. Or…is it better to just dig up next Spring? Appreciate any advice.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
The best time to transplant Rhododendrons would be in the early spring or late fall when the weather is cool and the plants are dormant. This will give the rhododendrons the best chance of establishing themselves in their new location. There will be no need to dig around them at this time.
This collection of articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/rhododendron
