by Susan
Perry
Colorado State University Extension Master
Gardener
Larimer County
Q: Whenever I transplant perennials or plant new ones, they wilt horribly. Sometimes all the foliage dries up. What should I do to prevent this from happening?
A: Many new perennials purchased in the spring need to
be hardened off before they are permanently planted. To do this, set your new
plant in a lightly shaded area outside when you bring it home from the nursery.
The first night, bring the plant inside your garage. The second day, leave the
plant in the same lightly shaded location all day and night. Gradually acclimate
your plant to its permanent location over the next few days, being sure it has
adequate moisture, before planting it in its permanent location.
New trees, shrubs, and perennials often suffer from transplant shock. The symptoms
of transplant shock are more apparent when planting is done in the heat of summer
(or late spring). Transplant shock is the result of the roots’ inability
to easily and quickly absorb enough water and nutrients to support leaf growth.
There are several things that can help reduce transplant shock. First, be sure
to buy quality plant material. Second, whenever possible, plant or transplant
in the spring and fall when temperatures are in the 70s. Finally, keep an eye
on your new plant and water as often as necessary until it has become established.
In addition, all new plants benefit from some simple planting procedures. First,
before planting, check the root ball of the plant. If it is dry, soak it in
a bucket of water for a short time so it can absorb moisture. Then, be sure
that the hole for the new plant is slightly deeper than the pot it was in and
at least 50% wider. This will insure enough space for its roots to spread.
Back-fill the hole with a little soil so that the top of the root ball is at
ground level, then spread the roots of your plant out instead of leaving them
in a ball. Take care to cut any circling roots.
Next, be sure to give your new plant an additional sprinkling of water before
adding three inches of mulch. Mulch will help the soil retain moisture for the
plant. Finally, don’t be tempted to fertilize your new plant for at least
six months. Fertilizer applied to new plants can do more harm than good, often
adding stress to grow before the plant has become established.
Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.
Return to Master Gardener Articles