If the fast-growing summer lilac has become too large, it often has to be moved to a new location. This is especially true for old summer lilacs that no longer fit in their original perennial beds. In the following article you can find out how the transfer of such a senior citizen can succeed and what you have to pay attention to.
The bigger the buddleia, the more complicated the transplanting
Prerequisites for a successful conversion
First of all, simply digging up the old buddleia and replanting it in a new location is not a good idea. In such a case, the shrub would very likely soon droop its shoots and leaves and, with bad luck, even wither. To prevent this, the following conditions should be met for successful growth:
- Transplant buddleia only in autumn or early spring.
- The shrub must no longer flower or not yet sprout.
- The weather must not be too warm, but also frost-free.
- Before transplanting, cut back the buddleia vigorously.
It is best to transplant on a day that is not too warm and not too cold with an overcast sky, then the risk of drying out is reduced.
Why shouldn't you transplant summer lilacs in summer?
In the middle of the vegetation period, when the buddleia is "full of sap", transplanting is not a good idea - the shrub would take it very badly, partially wither and even die with bad luck. During the summer months, the summer lilac puts all its energy into the growth and formation of shoots, leaves and flowers. However, if it is implemented, it must direct this power to its roots - with the result that the above-ground parts are no longer supplied. For this reason, it is advisable to transplant summer lilacs and other shrubs in autumn or spring.
How to move an old buddleia - step by step
When transplanting the summer lilac, it is best to proceed as follows:
- First, cut back the buddleia by about a third.
- Tie the bush with a piece of twine or something similar.
- Cut the root ball all the way around with a spade.
- The ideal radius is about two thirds of the original growth height.
- Loosen the root ball with a digging fork.
- Lift out the rootstock and plant.
- Plant the buddleia in its new location.
- Mix the excavation there with horn shavings (€32.93) and compost.
In addition, the freshly transplanted shrub should be watered vigorously, as this makes it easier to grow.
tips
The pruning is necessary because a large part of the roots are cut when digging up. The remaining ones can no longer supply the above-ground parts of the plant alone.