Ceanothus

[Dior Sitch]

I have three ceanothus shrubs that I want to move in the autumn. They are about 3 feet tall at the moment and I am wondering whether to cut them back before moving them. Does anyone have any useful advice please?

[smiffy]

I would prune them to help get the roots established, but I wouldn't hack them back too much unless you want a smaller bushier plant.

[Fi]

diorstroop said:

I have three ceanothus shrubs that I want to move in the autumn. They are about 3 feet tall at the moment and I am wondering whether to cut them back before moving them. Does anyone have any useful advice please?

Ceanothus are notorious for not liking to be moved. I've known some gardeners who simply buy a new one, rather than trying to move an established one. Still, if you keep your fingers well crossed, at least one out of the three, if not more, may survive. But first I suggest you ask yourself if it's essential to move them.

[Dior Sitch]

Thanks for the replies. I would really rather not move them but they have been planted too close to the house by the previous owner so it's not going to to do them, or the house, much good.

I'll just try it and see what happens.

[Fi]

diorstroop said:

Thanks for the replies. I would really rather not move them but they have been planted too close to the house by the previous owner so it's not going to to do them, or the house, much good.

I'll just try it and see what happens.

Since they are such lovely shrubs, why not take some cuttings as an insurance? If you don't already know how to this tells you how. I've just done a quick google, and the problem with moving them is that they form very deep rooting systems, so try to get as deep down as possible before lifting them. Good luck, and let us know what happens please.

[Rose Tinted Glasses]

We moved a big six foot one in the spring and thought we lost it cos it all died back. But now it's got some green shoots on it, so fingers crossed. So you never know it might be worth the risk.