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transplanting shrubs #889844

Asked November 14, 2024, 3:11 PM EST

I intend to transplant a crape myrtle shrub, & have been waiting to do so after reading the best time to transplant is late winter during dormancy. My concern is that in late winter is when the ground becomes very muddy & water logged here in Oregon, and I've often found those conditions even at the beginning of spring. When do you suggest I transplant? I fear it's already too wet, and I wasn't planning on adding much to my native soil. Thanks

Benton County Oregon

Expert Response

Yes, during dormancy is almost always the best time to transplant deciduous plants. If your crape myrtle was planted within the last year or two, you could probably get away with moving it now, as it won't have extended its root system very far. If it is well established, though, it will have a much better chance of surviving when dormant.

Wet, muddy soil will be mostly an inconvenience to you, not the plant. Just try not to compact the soil around the new location. I suggest getting a piece of wood or plywood to stand on to distribute your weight. Using only the native soil without amendments is fine, in fact that is recommended for woody plants.

One suggestion would be to loosen up the new site while the soil is not too soggy, then cover it with a tarp to keep the rain off it. This might make it a little easier to plant in next spring.

Also, crape myrtles are very late to leaf out in our climate, so you may find that things are drying up next spring before it starts to leaf out. It is fine to transplant it just as new growth starts.

If the site is truly waterlogged - with standing water for extended periods - it is not a good site for a crape myrtle, which need decent drainage in winter.

Signe Danler, Online Home Horticulture Instructor Replied November 15, 2024, 12:39 PM EST

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