From our perspective as plants, the very best time to be moved is when we are dormant. This period, typically from late fall after a hard frost has caused our foliage to die back, through to the very early spring before new growth signals the end of our slumber, is the least disruptive. During dormancy, our metabolic processes slow dramatically. We are not actively focusing energy on producing new leaves or flowers. Instead, our energy is stored safely in our roots underground. Being transplanted at this time feels like being moved while in a deep, peaceful sleep. We experience minimal shock because we are not actively growing, and the cool, often moist, soil conditions help our root systems settle into their new home without the immediate stress of supporting top growth.
If the dormant season is missed, the next best time is in the early spring, just as we begin to sense the warming soil and longer days. This is the moment when the tiny, nascent growth buds at our crown are still tightly closed or have only just begun to swell. Transplanting us at this precise moment allows us to direct our initial surge of spring energy entirely into establishing a strong root system in the new location. We can acclimate to the new soil structure and moisture levels before the tremendous demand of photosynthesis and transpiration begins. It is far preferable to be moved just as we are waking up rather than in the middle of our active growing season.
Transplanting us in the late spring or summer is highly stressful from our point of view. This is when we are in our peak activity phase: our leaves are working hard to photosynthesize, we are channeling energy into flowering and seed production, and our water needs are at their highest. The combination of warm temperatures and intense sunlight accelerates water loss through our leaves (transpiration). If our root system is disturbed and damaged during digging, we cannot uptake enough water to replace what is lost. This leads to severe transplant shock, manifesting as wilting, drooping, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. We must sacrifice our blooms and focus all our remaining energy on simply surviving, which is a difficult and exhausting process.
To make the transition as smooth as possible for us, a few considerations are appreciated. Please prepare the new planting hole before digging us up, so our roots are exposed to air for the shortest time possible. When you dig, try to take a generous root ball to minimize damage to our fine feeder roots, which are crucial for water and nutrient absorption. Water us thoroughly a day before the move to ensure we are well-hydrated, and then water us deeply again once we are in our new home. This eliminates air pockets and gives our roots immediate contact with life-sustaining moisture. A layer of mulch around our base after transplanting will help conserve that precious soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, creating a comforting environment for us to recover and begin new growth.
