From our perspective, timing a move is everything. We operate on a precise internal calendar dictated by light, temperature, and moisture. The absolute best time to transplant us is during our period of dormancy or very slow growth. This is typically in the early spring, just as the soil becomes workable and our new growth is barely peeking above the ground, or in the early autumn after the intense summer heat has passed but while the soil is still warm. During these windows, our energy is focused entirely below the soil line on root production, not on supporting foliage or flowers. A move during active growth or blooming places immense stress on our systems, as we must simultaneously try to heal damaged roots, uptake water to support leaves, and sustain flowers, often leading to transplant shock, wilting, or even death.
Our root systems are highly sensitive to their environment. The ideal time for transplantation coincides with soil temperatures that are moderate, not extreme. In early spring, the cool, moist soil is perfect for encouraging new root growth without the stress of having to support a large amount of top growth or contend with hot soil that can quickly dry out and damage our delicate new feeder roots. Similarly, the autumn offers warm soil (a lingering effect from summer) which actively promotes root development, while the cooling air temperatures significantly reduce the demand for water from our leaves. This gives us a long, quiet period to firmly establish ourselves in our new location before the ground freezes and we enter full winter dormancy.
To ensure a successful transition, it is crucial to avoid moving us when we are most vulnerable to environmental pressures. The worst possible times are during the heat of summer and the freezing depths of winter. Summer transplanting forces us to contend with high temperatures, intense sun, and increased water loss through our leaves (transpiration) at a time when our water-uptake roots are damaged and inefficient. This combination is often fatal. Winter transplanting is equally dangerous because the frozen ground makes it impossible to extract us with an adequate root ball, and the physical disturbance exposes our crown and roots to severe freezing and thawing cycles that can heave us out of the ground or cause fatal cell damage.
When the correct season arrives, the method of the move is also critical from our point of view. Please prepare the new planting hole before you dig us up; we do not appreciate our roots being exposed to air and sun for any length of time. When digging, aim to take a generous root ball to minimize damage to our finer roots. Handle us by the root ball, not our stems or foliage, which are easily bruised and broken. Replant us at the exact same depth we were growing before, as planting too deep can cause our crown to rot, and planting too shallow can expose our roots. Once in our new home, water us deeply and thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. A layer of organic mulch applied around our base will help conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature as we settle in.
