Sometimes garden plants need to be transplanted, either because the garden is being remodeled or because a previously chosen location is now proving to be unsuitable. This is often possible without any problems, but unfortunately things are different with the witch hazel.
All witch hazel varieties are very sensitive to transplanting
Maybe your witch hazel is just bigger than you thought and planned and now there is not enough space. Then it is almost too late to act. Because there is a real risk that your witch hazel will not survive the move and die. It is therefore best to leave a fully grown plant in its place.
The younger and smaller the witch hazel, the greater its chances of survival. However, be prepared that your witch hazel will not bloom in the near future.
When is the best time to transplant?
If you do ever need to transplant your witch hazel, do so in the fall. Dig a very large planting hole and put mature compost or well-rotted manure in it, this will make it easier for your witch hazel to take root.
If possible, dig up the witch hazel with its entire root ball and place it in the planting hole. The less you damage the roots, the better. After planting, water the witch hazel well.
The essentials in brief:
- does not tolerate transplanting very well
- may not flower for several years after transplanting
- only transplant young or rather small witch hazel
- Damage roots as little as possible when digging up
- support growth with organic fertilizer
tips
If possible, avoid transplanting your witch hazel altogether, it doesn't take well to it and will take a few years to recover from the move.