Hi Sibe,

We have moved into a lovely house with a huge garden. We inherited a mature camellia which would be better if we could move it to a safer location in the garden as it is likely to get trampled by children in the summer. It is on the very edge of an existing patio which we intend to repave. We would like to move it to the opposite corner where it would receive the same amount of light and shade and soil that it has now but would also become a main feature in the garden as you would see it as you enter the garden. It is approximately four feet in diameter and approximately two feet tall. Would it be possible to move it and when would be the best time to do this?

Thanks!

Our Gardening Expert replies:

Hi,

The best time to move most shrubby plants is in early autumn. The reason for this is that the soil is still relatively warm and this enables plant roots to recover somewhat from their disturbance and to grow into the new ground before becoming almost dormant through winter.

I would not recommend this time of year, however, for moving a camellia. The best time to move a camellia is just after flowering. This way you will still enjoy the benefit of the flowers and your plant will have a period of uninterrupted growth in front of it for the rest of the year. Moving your plant in the autumn is preferable as camellias have been known to be slow in resuming growth after a shock, and this could be fatal at the wrong time of year.

Camellias have a fibrous but open root system and you need to take great care to prevent the soil falling away from the roots when the plant is lifted. The best way is to try to move as large a root ball as possible. The best method of doing this is to dig vertically around the circumference of the plant, just outside the outermost parts of the leaf canopy, or wider if you think you can move a larger root ball. Dig down to a full spade's depth or deeper if possible, and then use your spade to dig horizontally beneath the plant, entirely separating the root ball. You should then push heavy-duty sackcloth, or possibly strong plastic sheeting, underneath and drag it out through the other side. Try to tie it together so that it will contain the root ball as tightly as possible and prevent it loosening too much.

I suggest you then obtain plenty of help - possibly up to five adults to move such a large weight- and move the plant promptly into its new, ready-prepared position.

Preparation will consist of thoroughly removing all perennial weeds, and digging in a large amount of humus, followed by a light dressing of a general fertilizer.

It is certainly advisable to trim some top growth from the plant to reduce the stress of the move, so a light pruning would be the minimum to carry out at this stage.

I notice you say your camellia is four foot in diameter and two foot tall. I wonder if you intended to say twelve foot tall? Certainly a mature camellia could easily be that height. If it is that big, then I would reduce the height by one third to be sure the plant will survive. Usually moving camellias is a successful operation but with a plant such as this, that you obviously value, it is safer to prune more rather than less.

Lastly, thoroughly water in, and apply a mulch at least two to three feet in depth. Ensure you water well at any time of drought for at least the next year and possibly longer until you are sure the plant is well established in its new position.

Best of luck!

Sibe

For more information on camellias, see Common Camellia (Camellia Japonica) in the plant directory.

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