I have some lilies that I placed in the wrong locations. I would love to move them to a better suited place. When can this be done and are there any special instructions on a successful move? I would really appreciate your help. Thanks, Lesley
Moving Lilies
Sashagirl
Aug 28, 2006
Lesley,
I don't claim to be an "expert", by any shot, but because of continual lawn renovation over the years (moving buildings, building new buildings, losing huge trees to storms, etc.,etc.),I have moved whole lily beds several times. I don't believe I've ever lost one of them! I've moved them in the spring and in the Fall-never noticed any stress to them, at all.
I have moved asiatics, orientals, and daylilies in both seasons. Hope this helps.
Deanna
I would caution you to be careful where you dig. Using a spoon, rather than a shovel, will decrease your chance of splitting a bulb. The stalk does not always tell you exactly where the bulb is underneath and that is the trouble. Fall transplanting is ideal, but early spring will work too. It's nice to give them the winter to adjust to it's new home. I don't claim to be an expert either, but in my experience, careful is key.
I agree, don't use a shovel, but not so sure about a spoon. Could be a long dig.. Use a garden fork, that's what most of the growers recommend.
Frequently, I'll use a hand spade or claw to gently dig dirt away from around the stem. The stem roots are easy enough to find, then just follow the stem a bit farther to see the direction to the bulb.
Then I use my big shovel and take as big a scoop as possible, hopefully disrupting the soil around the roots very little. Set it right in to it's new hole and it it will never know it happened.
Worst case scenario ~ even if the stem should break away from the bulb, continue on with the process. They'll be fine.
If it is a tall lily you may want to include a stake along side in case a wind comes along...
Thanks everyone. I am so happy I found this forum. I have learned so much from you`all. I will be moving lilies this week. Much appreciated!!!! Lesley