Prepare to Transplant Rose of Sharon
Choose a location and ready the new spot for your Rose of Sharon before you dig up the bush. Time is of the essence, and the tree should be planted in its new location as soon as possible.
Although Rose of Sharon will do fine in either full sun or partial shade, it’s a good idea to locate the plant in afternoon shade if you live in climate with punishing hot summers. Choose a spot where the soil drains well. Although Rose of Sharon is a durable plant that will thrive even in poor clay-based soil, it won’t do as well with wet feet.
Remove weeds from the planting area, and rake out any rocks. You can leave the soil as it is, or you can dig a few scoops of compost or manure into the top of the soil to get the tree off to a good start.
Dig a hole in the Rose of Sharon’s new location. The hole shouldn’t be too deep, but should be two to three times as wide as the tree’s root system. You can adjust the depth of the hole at planting time.
Digging the Rose of Sharon
If the soil is dry, water the Rose of Sharon two or three days before you plant to transplant. Damp soil will be easier to dig and will ensure that the soil holds together better when you dig the tree.
Using a sharp shovel or spade, dig a trench around the circumference of the tree. According to foresters at North Dakota State University, the diameter of the root ball can be estimated to be about two thirds as wide as the spread of the branches. Dig deeply so you can retain as much of the roots as possible, then use the tip of the shovel to sever any long roots that remain in the soil.
Lift the tree from the ground, working carefully and leaving as much soil as possible on the root ball. Place the tree in a wheelbarrow to make it easier to move the tree to its new location. If the tree is too large for the wheelbarrow, place it on a tarp or a large piece of cardboard so that you can drag it.
If you can’t transplant the Rose of Sharon in its new location immediately, place the tree in a shady area and keep the roots damp. It’s crucial that the roots aren’t allowed to dry out.
Transplanting Rose of Sharon
Set the Rose of Sharon carefully in the hole. This is the point where it’s crucial to be choosy about the depth of the hole, as planting the tree too deeply can cause the crown of the plant to suffocate. To avoid this problem, adjust the depth of the hole to ensure that the top of the root ball is an inch or two above the level of the soil.
Backfill the hole with the soil, then water the Rose of Sharon immediately.
Aftercare
Your Rose of Sharon will be happy in its home as long as you give it a bit of attention, especially while it’s settling in. Check the soil regularly, and if the soil is dry as deep as 3 or 4 inches, it’s time to water the tree. Water deeply. After the Rose of Sharon is established in its new location, it can be treated as a drought-tolerant, mature tree.
A 3- to 4- inch layer of bark chips or other organic mulch around the base of the tree will keep the roots cool and moist, and as an added benefit, will help to deter weeds. Keep the mulch in place all year round, but leave an uncovered space immediately around the tree to prevent the mulch from piling up against the tree.
