My husband and I read with interest your article on Fuzzy Deutzia in the Lyme Times several weeks ago. We have this shrub; it was here when we bought the house over 25 years ago and enjoy it every year when it blooms. However it is right up against the foundation and should be moved. It is now about 15 feet tall. Should we move it now? Let it acclimate to new area then rejuvenate prune next year? Or prune a little now and move? Right now it is on the west side of the house getting afternoon sun. Should it remain in area with lots of sun? Thank you in advance for your advice. Vivian
Answer
It's a great time to move the Deutzia but there are a few things that need to get done to help the tree survive. Cut back the height of the plant by 1/3. Remove 1/3 of the oldest, largest stems by cutting the stem at the base of the plant. This reducing step is necessary because a transplanted shrub's roots cannot support the above ground growth of the original shrub because a good portion of its root system will be destroyed in the transplanting process. Before replanting, if any of the roots have been broken or shredded, make a clean cut past the broken area with a sharp pair of pruners or loppers. This will help the plant grow healthy new roots a little quicker. Plant in the sun where the plant has been accustomed to growing. Make sure the Deutzia is well-watered before refilling the new hole. Water deeply at least 2x/week until the end of September, but do not water every day. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. This practice encourages the roots to grow deeply looking for water instead of staying near the surface of the soil.
Be prepared to see lots of new shoots next spring and a very happy Deutzia!
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About Linda Lillie
Linda K. Lillie is the President of Sprigs & Twigs, Inc, the premier
landscape design and maintenance, tree care, lawn care, stonework, and carpentry
service provider in southeastern Connecticut since 1997. She is a graduate of
Connecticut College in Botany, a Connecticut Master Gardener and a national
award winning landscape designer for her landscape design and landscape installation work.
