Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - May 13, 2009
From: Grenville sur la rouge, QC
Region: Canada
Topic: Best of Smarty, Planting, Transplants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Transplanting Trillium in Quebec.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in the Laurentiens of Quebec where they are putting a HWY in my back yard. I have a lot of white trillium that I am wanting to transplant before they start the excavation but, I have heard the they don’t transplant very well unless you dig up the whole bulb of the flower, is this true if so how far down and wide do you have to dig to make sure your flowers you are transplanting stay a live? Thank you,ANSWER:
From what I have found, it is true that Trillium does not transplant well. According to various sources, your timing is also bad; some suggest that you attempt transplanting in early spring, and others prefer the fall after flowering. In your case, it doesn't seem like you have any choice. So as you proceed, keep thinking that its is difficult, but not impossible.
A previous question deals with the issues involved in transplanting Trillium, and you should be able to glean some good information from it. A Master Gardener fact sheet from the Toronto Botanical Garden should also prove helpful. For a source of help closer to home try Flora Quebeca.
Two helpful hints that I have picked up in researching this question:
1. Dig carefully with a spading fork, not a shovel, to avoid slicing the rhizomes which may lead to infection.
2. Leave as much soil as possible surrounding the rhizomes.
The depth and width of the hole that you dig depends on the individual plant. Some rhizomes can be up to a foot deep in rich soil.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Trimming bloom stalks of iris
April 15, 2008 - Mr. Smarty: I live in Nevada, and have some very beautiful Iris plants. They have all blossomed and now I am left with stems. Is there any way I can cut them back so they blossom again? If so how shou...
view the full question and answer
Shade loving plants with color for Irving, Texas
July 01, 2010 - Looking for shade loving perennials or annuals with color - native and low water. Live in Irving, Texas.
view the full question and answer
Kinnikinnick for a green roof
July 04, 2012 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I live just north of Seattle and want to build a green roof (outdoor kitchen) I'm concerned about the weight of the soil (saturated), drainage etc. am building from scratch and...
view the full question and answer
Pet Friendly Groundcovers for CA
January 23, 2016 - I am looking for pet friendly, groundcover plants in San Jose, CA.
view the full question and answer
Plants for a steep slope in New York
June 27, 2010 - We just installed a swimming pool in our back yard, which is at the top of a south facing slope. After the pool was installed the slope is now 3 ft higher and very steep (unmowable). I'd guess steepe...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |