Best time to move a Viburnum? (Alfredo)

14 years ago

I have a lovely Viburnum that needs to be moved. I estimated the size when I put it in its present location, and while I estimated correctly, it just isn't right for the space. When should I move it? Last time I moved it (2 years ago), it was only 1/2 grown, and I did it in April just as it was coming out of dormancy (or it might have still been dormant).

Now that it's full-grown (~4'x4'), I suppose I could still do it in April taking a giant root-ball with it, but if April isn't the optimal time to do it, then I'll wait.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Featured Answer

ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5

14 years ago

in my z5.. perfect time was about 2 weeks ago ....

if taking a large root mass.. you are still within acceptable range .... just dont water it and create an ice cube in the soil ...should your soil not drain properly in time for freeze ...

in the alternative.. as soon as the soil thaws in late march or early april..

the more weeks between transplant and leaf out.. the better ...

most likely... it is one of those shrubs that you could run over with the truck a few times.. move it.. and then start beating it with a stick.. and it will survive... so just do what you have to do and be done with it..

good luck

ken

Comments (6)

whaas_5a
14 years ago
I moved Carlesi in late June and Trilobum in mid August. Both are fine, time will tell.

As Ken suggested, move it now or wait until after the soil thaws in spring.

In the Milwaukee area Viburnums are typically transplanted between early October and mid November (outside of spring time)
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pops_2008
14 years ago
Yes, move with confidence. We dug up a V. lantana in late May a few years ago right after we found it growing out along the roadside. They are not called "Wayfaring" for nought....and we didn't take too large a root ball....and we didn't water it a great deal either. Can we think of a better way to insure that it might have been killed by improper following of the rules to transplant?? Guess what..here we are 6 or 7 years later and the darned thing is now 12 feet high and strong as an ox! Viburnums are tops when transplanting. If you can not successfully transplant a Viburnum, then take up another hobby other than gardening.
harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
14 years ago
I agree. Move it this weekend.

I've done some real hack jobs on viburnums and they survived. There are many reasons why they are so popular. As Ken says above, you almost have to try to kill them.
whaas_5a
14 years ago
Yes, yes and yes. I failed to mentioned that the Carlesi I moved was 12 years old and 4' x 4'. I took a rootball the size of maybe a #7 container. I only had a few branches die off.
ruben salas
8 years ago
thank you guys