Spirea question

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Rose1656 Oquawka, IL(Zone 5a) Mar 23, 2008

I am going to be moving some very large spirea out of my yard. I was wondering if they can be divided or do you just have to cut the bush back and plant the whole root ball when you put them in their new area? I think that I've heard that you can't divide shrub roots, but thought I'd better ask the "experts" for advice. My sister said that she would take them, but they are going to need a pretty good sized hole dug for them at their present size.

Thanks in advance,
Rose

Post #4699650
Quote
HoosierGreen Danville, IN Mar 23, 2008

You can dig up the whole plant, cut ALL of the stems back to just a few inches, literally hack the root ball into sections (use an ax), and plant each separately. It would help to give them some fertilizer, but I've no doubt that they will be fine. Do this anytime the ground is workable this spring. Spireas are very tough. Have fun.

Post #4700178
Quote
Rose1656 Oquawka, IL(Zone 5a) Mar 24, 2008

Dig up the whole root ball...chop it with an axe into smaller pieces, and plant! And you tell me to have fun? Thanks, I really appreciate the info. Sounds like we have some backbreaking work in the near future!

Rose

Post #4701289
Quote
HoosierGreen Danville, IN Mar 24, 2008

Oh, spireas are shallow-rooted, and just a few whacks will do it. Much easier than clump grasses. Should take just a few minutes, really.You don't have to get all of the roots since you're dividing the original plant. Just do this as early as possible this spring.

Post #4702114
Quote
Rose1656 Oquawka, IL(Zone 5a) Mar 24, 2008

Now you are just trying to make me feel better! I am glad to hear that they don't have a really big, deep root system. That should make the job easier. Now we just have to wait until the ground thaws out. I noticed that they are already budding, but since they are a very hardy shrub, they should still be okay. I hope :-)

Post #4703680
Quote
HoosierGreen Danville, IN Mar 24, 2008

I've done this to spireas even in the middle of the summer. They will be fine, but the earlier the better.

Post #4704607
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP