How to remove and replant large rhododendron?
by
Janice
We need to build a handicap ramp at front of house for mom. However she does not want to lose this enormous rhododendron. How do we get this out and moved. Please help. Thank you 😊
That's going to take a lot of digging, Janice. I think I would call a professional.
It is BEAUTIFUL. Yes, consult a pro at a garden center. You wouldn't want to damage, hurt it. Also you definitely don't want to shock or stunt it and lose it. The pro's know how to do it right.
They transplant Rhodies in our town all the time, here are some guidelines.... https://www.rhododendron.org/transplant.htm they say the roots aren't that deep. I would wait till fall, after a late summer pruning after the blooms are gone.
You could prune the heck out of it now if you need to make the ramp ASAP. I prune mine in Oregon in late summer/fall and in the spring after they bloom. Then after transplanting I would give it some Rhodie and Camelia food/fertilizer.