TREE AND SHRUBSLeaf it to me

Is it feasible to move fairly mature camellias and bay shrubs?

Camellias only have very fine root systems, that are generally quite shallow, not the thick tap roots that many plants have. Bays are a little different, with heftier roots – move these from mid autumn/fall to early spring, with as little root disturbance as possible.

Depending on where you are, Camellias are best moved when totally dormant – they’re flowering in the southern USA at the moment, so it wouldn’t be ideal here, for example.

As most of them are late winter bloomers, I would be hesitant of moving them now, as you will likely get flower damage, for the pending flowers. Earlier in the winter would be ideal, after all summer growth stops.

Remove as large an area and depth of soil as you are able to, to prevent root damage. If roots are damaged, then this will impact on their ability to uptake water. As they like cool damp root runs, ensure that you water afterwards for a few weeks, if the soil gets dry. Don’t move them whilst it’s frozen either, as this will have a negative impact upon them.

Worst case, you lose some flowers, and possibly some younger growth. Very mature Camellias can be pruned OK, though Bay trees to a lesser extent. Provide support for Bays afterwards, as wind damage can often rock them, causing root breaks. Camellias are usually less affected, but could be given some framework support too.

Feed both in spring time, the Camellias with an ericaceous feed (for acid loving plants) and the Bays with a general purpose feed.

So, overall it’s feasible to move these plants – the Bays potentially suffering the bigger disruption, but they should re-establish well if moved when dormant, and if their roots are not disturbed much.

Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob

Transhumance A Colorado Tradition