Question
We're moving out of a house which has a large gardenia plant in the front garden. right up against the brick porch. We're in Daytona Beach Florida on the mainland side, not out on the island. The plant is on the west side of the house, well protected by the eaves. Sun will not reach it until mid-day.The former owners of this home had owned it since it was built....1953. They're both gone and I have no one to ask how old this gardenia might be. The shrub measures about 4'x 4' and for some reason, decided to bloom today. (July 20). We don't water it at all, leaving that up to the elements. The plant is lush and wonderful and I don't want to destroy it by attempting a move, but leaving it behind is a terrible thought....especially when it has bloomed just in time to remind me how wonderful it can be. Can I transfer it to a large tub or barrel to avoid introducing it to bad soil or something? I truly have no clue.
Thanks for your help...jayn

Answer
Jayn,

First, I am also a former Realtor, have you sold the house? If you have you cannot legally move the gardenia bush without getting the buyers permission. It is part of the landscaping and attached to the property. If you move it without permission you could be sued.

Second, the chance of you moving a 4' x 4' shrub without killing it are slim. Do you have a 4' x 4' tub because the roots go all the way out to the edges of the plant. If you hav a big enough tub you will need at least 4 guys to lift it together to get it in the tub.

Third, even if you manage to move it and keep it alive it will loose all its blooms for this year.

If you get permission from the buyers and can afford to do so I would call a landscaping company and ask them what they would charge to move this shrub for you or if it is even feasible.

I suggest that you possibly dig a section of the shrub out and put it in a tub and try to move that rather than the whole shrub. It will still probably loose its blooms for this year and you only have a 50/50 chance it will survive.
Make sure you have already dug a hole to put it in at the new house and get it there as quickly as possible. Good luck.

Darlene