Return to the Shrubs Forum | Post a Follow-Up

 o
Going on 15...let it go?

Posted by whaas 5a Milwaukee (My Page) on
Wed, Feb 3, 10 at 12:01

I have a 15 year old healthy variegated weigela that I need to move or remove.

I do have a spot (similar enviorment that it is in now) but I'm debating if its worth the work to cut it back, dig up the rootball and replant do to its age and ornamental value.

Thoughts? Let it go or move it?


Follow-Up Postings:

 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

if pruned thru proper shrub pruning.. its age is irrelevant ...

siting similarity is also irrelevant ...

frankly... the cost/benefit ratio ... is your labor worth saving it???

if so.. cut to about 3 feet .... everything... then dig the plant.. using the stubs to drag it across the yard ...

then more properly prune it after its all planted ....

its deciduous.. so hard pruning is not a problem ... you probably wont get any flowers this year ...

its one of those that you can basically run over with the truck

if its worth your time and labor.. go for it....

ken


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

  • Posted by whaas 5a Milwaukee (My Page) on
    Wed, Feb 3, 10 at 12:27

Don't these things typically croak at 20 years?

If I replant it (properly) and can expect at least 10 years well I guess it worth my time.

I've pruned it properly the last 3 years...guessing since the previous owners planted a burning bush, weigela and purple sandcherry in a row that is 10' wide they had no clue what they heck they were doing.

I'm cutting down the burning bush and sandcherry they are definatly not worth saving.

Korean Maple, Hydrangea and perrenials will now grace this area.


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

I've seen wiegelas that are close to 50 years old :-) Is it worth going to the effort of digging and moving? I probably wouldn't. Too many newer and smaller selections to choose from if yours is 15 y.o. and I like changing things out :-) If it's just too big for the current location, I'd say get rid of it and pick another, smaller one for there or elsewhere.


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

I've seen a at least one wiegela that is probably 50 yrs old. To me, I'd move it just to see if a) I can and b) if it will live.


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

Waas I wish I were near you because I would take it if you didn't want it. I just started my weigelas a couple of years ago and I love them! I would totally try to save it.

Ken where were you last year when I was worrying about my weigelas coming up!! Maybe I should just send you an email directly if I have questions from now on on all my plants in my yard :) lol or maybe I will just post all my questions on the Hosta forum from now on!


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

  • Posted by whaas 5a Milwaukee (My Page) on
    Sat, Feb 27, 10 at 19:41

That would be cool, then you can take the burning bush, lilac, hibicus and arctic willows that are getting the axe!
Although I am keeping the weigela, someone above said they'd move it to see if would live...I'm up for the challenge.

I moved a koreanspice viburnum (from the same area/same age) and I think the thing may live...very anxious to see how it rebounds this spring.

I still can't get over the nut that thought planting a burning bush, varigated weigela, koreanspice viburnum and purple sandcherry within a 15' X 8' bed was a good idea.


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

heh heh -I think I'm that nut! Someday someone will be asking "What idiot thought it would be a good idea to put this beech tree, stewartia, ninebark, rhododeneron, viburnum and 2 contorted hazelnuts in (about) a 15' X 8' bed !?"

In my defense it is a DWARF rhododendron and I was planning on moving the ninebark.... but I just remembered there are also two fothergillas there too. hmmmm


 o
RE: Going on 15...let it go?

  • Posted by whaas 5a Milwaukee (My Page) on
    Sat, Feb 27, 10 at 20:34

Definitely overboard but to your defense...you at least have some interesting plants in there!


 o Post a Follow-Up

Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum.

    If you are a member, please log in.

    If you aren't yet a member, join now!


Return to the Shrubs Forum

Instructions

  • You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
  • Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
  • After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
  • It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
  • HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
  • No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
  • If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
  • If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.



 
Click here to learn more about in-text links on this page.