Transplanting Large Coneflower and Columbine Plants in this Hot Weather?

[GardenGeisha]

"The Helpers" are back at it. They dug up my front garden to place a conduit, and I have to transplant a large coneflower and a large columbine that were growing there. Any tips as to how best to go about this in this hot weather? It's to be about 89 F here tomorrow and in the 90s for the following days. All tips appreciated.

 

[Smart Red]

@MoonShadows gave you the same ideas I'd have shared.

Your coneflowers should be okay if you follow Moon's advice. They are sturdier and are at their prime in the heat of late summer. I would cut the plants back and hope the new growth flowers yet this year. Keep moist for the rest of the growing season as the first year after planting (or transplanting) is the crucial one. Then your coneflowers will be back to their own drought resistant selves.

The Columbines are a different story. They are spring bloomers and often die back by mid summer for me. Therefore, I would cut the plants down and replant the roots. Keep moist, but don't expect any new growth until next spring.

 

[GardenGeisha]

Thanks to both of you!

 

[Nyboy]

water, water and more water.shade

 

[GardenGeisha]

Thanks, Nyboy. I dug it up at dark last night and put it in a clay pot (the coneflower). I still have not dug up the columbine. This morning I watered the pot heavily and stuck it in deep shade. Do you think I could keep the columbine in the clay pot until the cooler weather of fall, at which time I could put it in the ground? It doesn't look too bad right now, other than some of the flower heads and buds are bent over. I haven't been able to bring myself to cut them off. I thought they might go on to bloom, or do you think they are taking too much energy away from the roots and that I should go ahead and cut them all off?

 

[baymule]

You should probably cut off the blooms. Then the plant can use it's energy on getting established instead of blooms.

 

[catjac1975]

I would heal it in in a shaded area, cut off the blooms and plant in in a permanent spot in the cool fall.

 

[catjac1975]

I would get it out of the clay pot. Clay will suck all of the moisture out of it.

 

[Nyboy]

I love the look of a old clay pot, but like Cat said they are hard to keep plant well watered.

 

[ducks4you]

I've had luck transplanting by putting them immediately in a plastic paint bucket with enough water to cover the roots, while you prep their new spots.