Question
I have two 25-30 year old rose of sharons and I am looking to move some time this year. However because these plants belonged to my grandmother I would like to take them with me when I move. Is its possible to move the whole plant? Or is it better to take clippings if at all possible?

Answer
Hi Vikky-

I hate to tell you this - a Rose of Sharon is really a cousin of hibiscus - it is not a real rose.

I am not an expert of Rose of Sharon - but I would venture to say that you should be able to transplant them in large pots.  I would dig around the rose of sharon - to make the diameter of the root ball about 1 ft. to 1 1/2 ft.  If it is very tall - you will need to prune the branches down a bit. To me that would be preferable to taking cuttings - which may or may not take off.

I don't know where you live - but if the weather is pretty warm there - you will need to water the pots every day or so, so the roots don't dry out before it becomes established in the pot.  If it is cooler where you are - once a week watering would be o.k.  Wait a month at least before you fertilize them after the transplant into the pot.  The roots would be tender and fertilizing too soon could burn the roots (chemically).

Have fun-

Carlene