Can I Transplant Weigela Bushes: Moving Weigela Plants In The Landscape

Transplanting weigela bushes may become necessary if you plant them in spaces that are too small, or you start them in containers. Weigela grows fast, so you may be facing transplanting sooner than you realized. It doesn’t have to be difficult, though. Follow these tips on moving weigela plants and it should go smoothly.

Can I Transplant Weigela?

Yes, and you should if your weigela has outgrown its location. This is a fast-growing shrub that many people plant without realizing just how soon it will outgrow its given space. To keep your garden tidy but also maintain the shrub’s good health, you will need to transplant it if it has become cramped and crowded.

When to Transplant Weigela Bushes

The best times for moving plants are when they are dormant. Avoid transplanting during the growing season (summer), which will stress the plant unnecessarily. The middle of winter may also be a problematic time for transplanting, as the soil may be tough to dig in. Instead, transplant your weigela in late fall or early spring.

Steps for Weigela Tree Transplant

Weigela grows a lot of small feeder roots, and you can’t possibly dig them all out. To help the bush cope with the loss of these feeders, do a little root pruning six months before transplanting. Use a sharp spade to dig into the ground in a circle around the shrub. Make the circle a little bigger than the root ball you’ll dig up later.

Cutting the roots at this time will force the weigela to grow a new, compact feeder system that you can transplant with it.

When it’s time to move, first choose and prepare the right spot. Make sure it will have enough space to keep growing, up to 8 feet (2 m.) tall and wide. The spot should be in full sun and with good drainage. Dig a hole bigger than the root ball and add compost.

Dig out the weigela and place it in the new hole. Add soil, if necessary, to ensure the bush is at the same depth it was previously. Fill in the hole with soil and press it around the roots by hand.

Water the bush generously and continue to water until it has gotten established in its new location.