April 10, 2014

What Every Homeowner Ought To Know…How to Transplant Iris

Transplanting (moving) Iris is easy. Anyone can do it. Follow these simple steps.

Loosen the soil around the stem with a trowel or spade and gently lift.q

Loosen the soil around the stem with a trowel or spade and gently lift.

Iris is a classic hardy perennial. It will grow back from the roots each Spring and it blooms in a variety of sophisticated colors. I’ve been moving Iris shoots for over five years. You’re going to get hooked once you see them bloom!

Iris will not bloom in the shade. If you or a previous homeowner planted it on the North side of the house, move it to the western or southern side. Even the east side is better than the North. There isn’t enough sunlight to force the plant to bloom.

Don’t bury the plant in new soil. The Iris should almost rest on the surface. Do not mulch over the crown of the plant.  Gently dig a shallow hole and set the plant down, covering any small roots with soil.

There, all done. Wasn’t that easy! What is your favorite color of Iris? (Mine is the burgundy red, bronze with yellow). Let me know in the comments section below.

 

Filed Under: Establishment and Care Advice, Plant Install, Right Plant In The Right Place
February 8, 2014

Right and Wrong Plant Install Methods – And Little Pointers That Will Increase Your Success

A beautiful tree is bought and installed the same day. Two weeks (or two months) later the leaves are wilting or the needles are turning brown. What happened?

Hollywood Juniper under transplant shock. The soil root ball was incorrectly installed.

Hollywood Juniper under transplant shock. The soil root ball was incorrectly installed.

The plant is in transplant shock. What?

When it was planted or transplanted, something happened that increased plant stress tremendously. Wait, stress, shock, is this even real?

Yes, it sounds funny, but transplant shock happens on some level every time a plant is installed. The roots are happy before the install process occurs and become stressed when water in not applied regularly.

Think about it… plants are not designed to be moved!

Most transplant shock occurs from under-watering. If the roots aren’t happy and moist, then the entire plant suffers. It may take weeks of under-watering or incorrect watering techniques to become apparent. At that point of visual contact and confirmation, it may be too late.

Here’s how to avoid transplant shock.
  • Start with a healthy plant. If the tree or shrub is wilted or looks sick at the garden center, don’t buy it.
  • Dig a proper hole. That means two times wider than the root ball. Try to dig and install just one plant a day if you have a large project. Don’t get in a hurry here. I have stunted more plants because I became exhausted and cut corners.
  • Install correctly. Remove the container (plastic pot) if applicable. If the tree is wrapped in burlap and/or a wire basket, DO NOT REMOVE. The burlap and basket protect the delicate roots from further stress. Apply appropriate amounts of water. You can’t over-water at the point of install. Make a moat!
  • Add mycorrhizae at planting time. Mix with water for greatest effectiveness.
  • Check the root ball every day for moisture with your finger. If needed, soak the root system.

If you follow the guidelines above, you’ll succeed 99% of the time. Good luck!

Question: What install methods have you found to be the most effective? Let me know on Facebook…

 

Filed Under: Establishment and Care Advice, Expensive Mistakes, Plant Install, Speak Landscape Like A Pro