There are plenty of reasons why you might need to move an established barberry bush to a new spot in your garden. While it’s almost always doable, let’s be real: it can be a bit of a workout! To make sure your shrub survives the move and thrives in its new home, here’s everything you need to know about transplanting barberry.
Why Move a Barberry?
Sometimes a plant just isn’t happy where it is. The most common reasons gardeners decide to relocate their barberry include:
- The current spot is too shady, causing the plant to look thin or lose its vibrant color.
- The barberry has outgrown its space and is crowding out its neighbors (or blocking a walkway!).
The Best Time to Transplant
Just like when you’re first planting barberry, there isn’t a strict “law” on when you have to move it. However, for the best results, aim for early fall. At this time of year, the plant is starting to go dormant, which gives the roots plenty of time to settle in and recover before the big spring growth spurt.
How to Move Your Barberry
If you’re ready to give your barberry a change of scenery, follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Preparation
- First, dig a new hole at the destination. You want it ready to go so the roots aren’t sitting out in the air.
- Mix the soil you dug out with some mature compost or organic fertilizer to give the plant a nutrient boost.
- Before you even touch the shovel, prune the barberry back by about 50%. I know it feels drastic, but this helps balance the plant out so the remaining roots don’t have to work so hard to support a massive amount of foliage.
Digging and Replanting
- Use a sharp spade and a garden fork to carefully dig around the base.
- If you’re dealing with a large, established bush, you might want to grab a friend to help with the heavy lifting. Pro tip: Wrap the root ball in a piece of burlap or a linen sack to keep the soil intact while you move it across the yard.
- Set the barberry in its new hole at the same depth it was growing before. Fill in the soil, tamp it down gently to remove air pockets, and give it a very generous watering.
Aftercare Tips
Once the move is over, your barberry is going to be thirsty. Keep a close eye on the soil moisture and water regularly. Since the plant lost some of its root mass during the move, it can’t soak up water as efficiently as it used to, so it’s counting on you to keep the ground hydrated while it gets established!
