Weigelas are some of the most hardy, low-maintenance shrubs you can add to your landscape. If you have a young plant that needs a change of scenery, moving it is actually pretty straightforward! Here’s a quick guide on why you might need to move your weigela and the best way to go about it.
Why move a weigela in the first place?
The most common reason for a move is usually a location that didn’t work out as planned when you first did your planting. Since these beauties need plenty of sunlight to produce those iconic blooms, you’ll know pretty quickly if your chosen spot is too shady.
Another common issue is spacing—sometimes we underestimate how much room they need, and they start crowding their neighbors. In that case, transplanting is the best way to give everyone some breathing room. Or, hey, maybe you’re just ready for a total garden makeover!
When is the best time to move them?
Ideally, you want to move a weigela within its first four years. If your shrub is older than that, it might be happier staying put. Older plants don’t handle the shock of moving very well and can even die off. If you really want that specific look in a new spot, your best bet is to try propagating a new plant from the old one instead.
As for the season, both spring and fall work great. Try to pick a cool, cloudy day for the move; this helps protect those delicate fine roots from drying out while they’re exposed. If you’ve started new plants from cuttings, wait until they’ve made it through their first winter before moving them out into the garden.
Tips for a successful transplant
Besides keeping an eye on the age of the plant, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
- Pick a new spot that gets plenty of sun.
- Make sure there’s enough clearance between it and other plants.
- Dig carefully to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible.
- Give it extra water for the first few weeks while it settles in.
What about potted weigelas?
If you’re growing weigela in containers, they need a little extra love. Along with pruning the branches, you’ll need to give the roots a trim every now and then. If you skip the root pruning, your shrub will likely outgrow its pot after about four years, at which point it’ll need to be moved out of the container and into the ground.
