Transplanting trees, shrubs, roses, perennials and bulbs

When to transplant

Winter is the best time to transplant for most things, with the exception of bulbs. Over the coldest months when most plants are not actively growing their metabolism slows right down, which means there is less chance of transplant shock when moving.

How to transplant

1. Prune back the foliage of evergreens by 30-50% before moving. This compensates for root loss that occurs during transplanting.
2. Dig out using a sharp strong spade, aiming to take as much root as possible with the plant.
3. Before planting soak the root ball of the plant in a bucket of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to reduce transplant shock and give the root zone a boost.
4. Once dug out, plant into the new position straight away. Put some Tui Garden Mix or a mix suitable to what you are planting e.g. Tui Rose & Shrub Mix for roses and shrubs, in the new hole. Place the plant in the hole and fill with Tui Garden Mix or other suitable mix.
5. If it is not possible to plant in the new spot right away, temporarily plant into a large tub filled with Tui Outdoor Container Mix. Plants can be kept in containers for 6-12 months.
6. Once planted, water the plant well and apply Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic regularly to keep your plant growing healthily in its new spot.
7. Add a layer of Tui Mulch & Feed around the base of the plant to protect and feed the root zone.
8. Stake trees and taller shrubs, to support the root system until it can anchor itself securely again. It can take up to 6-12 months for the transplanted plant to actively shoot away and start growing again.

Plants to transplant

• Fruit - citrus, blueberries, cranberries, feijoa, raspberries, dwarf apples, peaches and apricots will readily transplant before the plants get too established (or are less than 1 metre tall).
• Trees - most trees can be transplanted if the trunk has a diameter less than 15cm.
• Shrubs - taller shrubs like camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas can be moved up until they are approximately 1 – 1.5 metres tall as they have a shallow root systems.
• Shrubs - shorter shrubs such as daphne, hydrangeas, hebes and flax are best transplanted when they are up to .5 -1 metre tall.
• Roses - readily transplant in winter. Prune roses back hard before moving, and ensure the graft is above the soil when placed in its new position. Plant into Tui Rose & Shrub Mix. If needed roses will also hold well in pots and containers for 6-12 months.
• Perennials - lift, divide and transplant late autumn and winter.
• Bulbs - best transplanted when dormant in summer – autumn. Feed with Tui Bulb Food once transplanted.

Plants not to transplant

• Larger trees with trunks thicker than 20cm.
• Taller established shrubs like pittosporum, bottle brushes, wattles and alders do not cope with being moved.
• Rosemary and lavender do not transplant well.
• Plants with a long tap root such as cabbage trees do not take kindly to being moved, as soon as the tap root is cut, the plant generally dies.