transplanting - Knowledgebase Question

Trees
Shrubs
Seagoville, TX
Question by kbmaroney
January 11, 2007
I have a lilac bush that is about 100 years old. We have sold the land and I want to take it with me. I know root is best, but it is very difficult to get to the root. What about clippings. I can get them started and they get green buds, but that is about as far as they go. Also we were thinking about getting one of our tractors and digging it up. What are the chances for survival after doing that?
Thanks, Beth Maroney


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Answer from NGA
January 11, 2007

0

 Beth,

I apologize for this delayed reply to your gardening question and hope it is still helpful to you. Your options on the lilac are to either dig the plants and transplant is which is possible if you keep the roots moist and keep the plant out of direct sun until you get it planted, or to take cuttings which also is possible but just means you have to start over with a very small start.

I'd do both with the cuttings being insurance. Get as much of the roots as is practical and cut the top back by at least half or more to make it more manageable. Reset the plant as soon as you can and keep the soil moist but not soggy on through the summer.

Thanks for the question. Best wishes for a wonderful gardening year in 2007. Please stop in again soon!

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