There are many reasons that may make it necessary to dig up the buddleia. This includes, for example, a planned change of location or the fact that the shrub has simply become too big for its current place in the perennial bed. Whatever your reason for wanting to dig up your buddleia, these tips are guaranteed to make it work.
How do you dig up a buddleia?
To dig up a buddleia, cut it back by a third, tie the shoots together and dig around the root area with a spade. Loosen the root ball with a digging fork and lift it out along with the plant. Then transplant the shrub to its new location.
The best time to dig up the buddleia
The best time to dig up the shrub depends primarily on what you plan to do with the tree afterwards. If it is to be planted again in a different location, it is recommended to move it during the vegetation break. It is therefore best to dig up the buddleia in autumn - if possible in October or November - or in early spring, before budding. However, the shrub will only survive being moved during the summer months with a lot of luck, which is why you should only dig it up at this point if you want to dispose of it afterwards anyway.
Can an old buddleia still be dug up?
Of course, an old buddleia can still be dug up. If the shrub is going to be composted anyway, you don't need to pay attention to any special features - but if you want to move it to a new location, you should be particularly careful and cut it back heavily beforehand. However, be aware that moving becomes more difficult the longer the plant has been in its location. Younger, not yet established specimens, on the other hand, are easier to transplant.
Dig up buddleia - This is how you do it
The best way to carefully dig up the buddleia is as follows:
- Cut the buddleia back by about a third.
- Tie the shoots together.
- Prick the root area all around with a spade.
- Drive the spade blade-deep into the ground.
- The optimal radius is about two thirds of the original height.
- Now take a digging fork (€31.00 on Amazon) and loosen the root ball.
- Lift out the ball and the plant.
- Now you can plant the buddleia in its new location.
Pruning is of course not necessary if the shrub ends up in the compost after being dug up. However, digging up a large shrub will be easier if you cut off the shoots beforehand and then only have to remove the rhizome.
Tip
Buddleias in pots should also receive fresh substrate every two to three years at the latest and, if necessary, a new planter.
