Transplanting a Rhododendron

Question

I have a four foot tall Rhododendron that is trapped between two trees and has NO width. I want to transplant it to an open space close by where it will have room to fill out. Problem is it did not start to bloom until late last fall and it is still trying to bloom and has most of its leaves now. Once the new spot is prepared, can I dig down and try to get most of the root structure and move it? Thank you very much for your input.

Answer 1

I would move the shrub in early spring when the weather is fairly mild, getting as much of the rootball as possible, or wait until the following 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