When growing any plants, sooner or later it becomes necessary to move them to another place. Mistakes in this matter can cause unintended consequences.
Transplant Coral Bells in the spring and save as many roots as possible. After transplanting, water with 2 gallons of water and place in the additional shade for 2-3 weeks.
Next, I will tell you in more detail about moving heucheras. Also, be sure to read the Complete Coral Bells Growing Guide.
When to transplant
The best time to transplant Coral Bells is spring because the plant is not yet in an active vegetative state. As a result, transplanting will go more smoothly.
The second best time is in the first half of autumn. Avoid transplanting 30 days before the first frost. If the plant is not rooted before the ground freezes, it could have root problems.
It is better if you choose a cloudy and slightly humid day, as the plant can lose too much moisture on a sunny day. A few days earlier, water the heuchera with 1-2 gallons of water.
Also try to transplant in the morning or evening because even if the sun is not shining, conditions are milder at this time.
How to do it right
For Coral Bells to tolerate transplanting well, you need to dig it up as gently as possible. The fewer roots it loses, the better it will grow in its new location.
Back off the stem at least 1 foot and then dig. Use a sharp shovel.
Next, move the shrub to its new location as quickly as possible to keep the soil on the roots from drying out. Dig a hole twice the size of your heuchera’s root system.
Mix the garden soil with 2 buckets of compost or soil conditioner. Fill the bottom of the hole with about half a bucket of stones for drainage.
Place the shrub in the hole so that the stem is not buried in the ground. If necessary, fill the bottom of the prepared soil mix. Fill all the empty space around the roots and lightly compact the soil by hand.
Water the newly planted heuchera with 2 gallons of water. Add more soil if needed.
Summer
Summer is not a good time to transplant Coral Bells because the sun and heat can seriously damage it. This is especially true if you grow them in full or partial sun.
An exception to this may be potted heucheras. If you transplant from a smaller pot to a larger pot without injuring the roots, it can also be done in the summer.
If for some reason you need to transplant them in the summer, you can try it. But be prepared for some serious damage to the plant.
After summer transplanting, water regularly without letting the soil dry out too much. Also, provide more shade.
If your Coral Bells suffered from summer transplanting but is still alive, it will partially recover by winter. You should not expect a full recovery until next year.
Transplant shock
Sometimes it happens that Coral Bells can wilt after transplanting. This is called transplant shock. To avoid this you will need to strictly follow the recommendations below.
- Only transplant in spring or fall when the weather is cloudy.
- Water Coral Bells 1 day before transplanting.
- Dig up the shrub very gently without damaging the root system.
- Do not leave the bush with bare roots for long, but instead plant it in its new location as soon as possible.
- Completely shade the transplanted heuchera for a few weeks.
- Water generously immediately after transplanting, then don’t let the soil dry out more than 1 inch.
- Mulch the soil with organic matter to prevent the soil from drying out and overheating.
Transplanting potted heuchera
Transplanting potted Coral Bells is a little different than transplanting in the ground. First, it can be done almost any time of year (except winter).
By transferring the shrub from a smaller pot to a larger one, the roots receive minimal damage. As a result, it is much easier for the plant to tolerate the transplant shock.
Choose a pot only 1 to 2 inches wider than the previous pot. This is to make sure that there is not too much excess soil around the roots, otherwise, root rot can occur during the rains.
Also, make sure that the pot has at least 4 drainage holes. Use a well-drained and nutritious substrate.
After transplanting, place the pot in full shade for a few weeks. After that, gradually accustom the plant to direct sunlight.
Water when the soil is 1 inch dry. Avoid overwatering and underwatering.