Camelia

[Waterbuffalo]

I have 3 large, over 6ft, camelias, they are extremely beautiful, but i will be adding an extension to the back of my house and the camelias are in the way! I don't want to cut them down so was wandering if they can be moved and how would I cgo about doing so? I would really like to save them

[heathfield]

Some people discuss the same problem here

[WendyS]

It's not really the best time to move them in the heat of summer when there's a shortage ofrain so if possible I'd delay until late autumn. However, if this is not an option, I'd prune them back slightly to try and reduce their bulk, dig and prepare their alternative locations first and compost and well water the hole into which they will be placed.

Then well water the soil well around your camelia roots to try and keep the root ball as intact as possible and dig it out onto a large taupaulin. Drag the taupaulin to the new position to cause as little movement as possible to the plant and root ball then replant. Water in the new position regularly for several months to prevent the roots drying out, and if it's hot, spray the leaves as well to prevent moisture loss. This may seem a bothersome task but it will reduce the risk of losing your plants if you have to move them during summer.