Can I transplant a Wedding Veil bush?

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DigitalMango Coventry, RI Aug 16, 2010

I am re-landscaping an area of my back yard that has a large Wedding Veil bush (I think that's what this is, anyway - that's what I was told). It's roughly 6' tall, and actually there are two of them. Can these be dug up and moved? If so, how big of a hole would I need to dig to get enough of the roots? I read that you have to prune them carefully, but if I can live with a year of no flowers, can I cut this bush back substantially? I am in the NorthEast United States, can I do this now (mid August) or is there another time of year I would have to wait?
I am definitely a beginner landscaper, so please assume I don't know anything when you consider responses... Thanks!

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plantfreak78 Rolesville, NC(Zone 7b) Aug 16, 2010

By "wedding veil bush" I think you mean Bridalwreath Spiraea (at least that's what it looks like from the picture). I'm not sure what zone hardiness you're in so I'll advise you as best I can. If you don't mind losing your blooms you could possibly cut it back and move it late this summer. You'll want to wait for the day time temperatures to stay under eighty or so. When you dig, try to get as much of the root as you can, at least as wide as the plant and at least 16"deep. Then, you can cut the top back so that the volume of the top is close to equal that of the roots. If you want to enjoy the blooms next spring you could also do this just after it blooms.

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Gymgirl SE Houston (Hobby), TX(Zone 9a) Aug 16, 2010

Hi,
My Bridalwreath Spirea is tall and spindley, no doubt because I've never pruned it back. I have three in containers. How do I get it nice and bushy like yours?

Thanks!

Linda

Post #8043629
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DigitalMango Coventry, RI Aug 16, 2010

Sorry, yes I mean Bridalwreath. Linda - I bought the house 4 years ago and it was about half the size, I haven't touched it, it's just done this on it's own. Thanks for the info plantfreak!

Post #8043799
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plantfreak78 Rolesville, NC(Zone 7b) Aug 17, 2010

Gymgirl, planting them in the ground would be a step in the right direction. Then in spring, after they bloom, you could cut them back by 1/3 to 1/2.

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littlelamb Virginia Beach, VA(Zone 8b) Aug 19, 2010

I have one in my backyard and I moved mine in the Spring after it bloomed. I completely cut down all the branches to just a few inches, dug up as much of the rootball as I could and then put it in a hole twice the size of the rootball. It recovered with no problem as long as I watered it until it reestablished itself again. Spireas can be pretty forgiving. You can probably do it in the Fall but I'm not sure how harsh your winters can get so you could probably wait til Spring. Good luck!

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