Question
Hello,
I planted a Buxus hedge at my garden in Bavaria, Germany, 11 years ago and have let it grow so that it is now approximately 1 1/2 meters high.  I am interested in transplanting it to another person's garden nearby, and am wondering how easy or difficult this would be?  Would the bushes be easy to remove without destroying the roots?  Do the roots grow very deep, or are they spread out closer to the surface? Do you know what the chances are of the plants surviving such a move?

Thank you for any thoughts you may have....

Answer
Hello Judy

It is perfectly OK to transplant buxus, except when they are in active growth (now) or when the ground is frozen.  September/November or March/April are good times.

Boxwood of the height you mention usually have a good, solid, compact rootball, probably about 0.25 - 0.75 of a meter down.

To give the plants a good chance of survival, prepare the ground they are to go into before you dig them up.  Dig the soil over, incorporating well rotted compost as you go.  Dig the hole for each plant as it is needed, before digging it up.  This means that the plants spend the minimum amount of time with their roots out of the ground.

As you dig up each plant, carefully separate its roots from its neighbour (a small amount of damage wont kill the plant!).

Place the plant into the prepared hole and backfill, firming the soil down as you go.

Make a 'well' around the plant to prevent 'run-off' and water thoroughly.

For the first year shelter the hedge with a windbreak and water frequently.

The plants should survive well - good luck with your project!


Gill