LITTLE ROCK — QWe live on a farm in Saline County and have many old surprise lilies and daffodils that we would loveto transplant. When is the proper time? All of them are in the fields and somewhat hard to find after blooming. We are wondering if the lilies could be moved now. If so, when would we replant?
AThere are two types of surprise lilies or Lycoris that we commonly grow in Arkansas. The red, more spiderlike lilies are L. radiata and they have foliage all winter. The naked lady or pink surprise lilies, L. squamigera, put on foliage in the spring and then die down before blooming. Lycoris lilies can be moved either while the foliage is up or when the flowers begin to fade.
I would not attempt moving them while it is so cold, but as the foliage begins to die in late winter to early spring, you could do it then. Replant immediately at the same depth they are currently growing. They may not bloom for a year or two after transplant, but should recover.
As to the daffodils,let them bloom and then dig anddivide. You can do so immediately after bloom and let the foliage die back where replanted, or allow six to eight weeks of green growth after bloom, then dig and divide and either replant or store for a fall planting. They need at least six weeks of good growth after bloom to replenish a flower for next spring.
QWe recently moved to a new house. The new owners of our old house have graciously allowed us to move some plants from our former flower garden. When and how is the best time to move hydrangeas? We have prepared a bed for these plants at our new location, but we have been reluctant so far to move them during winter. The two varieties of hydrangeas in question are commonly called ever-blooming and lace cap. Additionally, where is the best place to find material on moving a variety of other plants, including roses, butterfly bushes, and various herbs? I have read about moving a few plants in your column.
AWait until the bulk of winter is over before moving hydrangeas.
They can suffer winter damage easily and will be better prepared to handle it with a strong root system. Move in March.
In general, the dormant season - November throughFebruary - is considered the best transplant season for most hardy plants, simply because the plants are dormant and there is less stress for them. For less hardy plants, such as hydrangeas, azaleas, gardenias, etc., which can get damaged in the winter, wait until winter is over before moving, if possible.
For some, timing is limited due to circumstances - moving, construction, etc.
With proper care - mainly watering - you can successfully move most plants yearround. They wilt horribly when moved in the summer but can recover with time and care, and need extra protection in the winter if cold.
If timing is your choice, I suggest moving roses after you prune them in February so you deal with fewer thorns. Butterfly bush (Buddleia) is also pruned in late February, so moving it then would be easier. Herbaceous herbs can be moved in spring or fall with ease.
QWe see sago palms in yards where we live in Conway; will they overwinter here? I have two in pots that I would love to plant in my flower beds. I see them in yards on the east and south sides of homes. Also what about banana trees? I see bunches of them in yards and noticed yesterday that one yard had cut the trees to about 2 feet off the ground and had mulched them. They had a whole row of the trees.
We always bring ours into the garage to overwinter.
AThere are a lot of plants that we are now overwintering outdoors that were not possible 10 years ago. This year may be a test for us - or at least it is looking like it up front. Sago palms can overwinter, but may not be intact when it is over. If they get frozen back they should re-sprout from the root system. They are considered hardy to around 15 degrees, but leaves can get nipped if the temperatures are in the low 20s or if there is ice. If damage occurs, wait until late February to early March to cut off the damaged foliage. As long as the crown is firm and undamaged, it should re-sprout with spring growth.
Bananas are similar. There are new varieties that are quite cold-hardy, even in Northwest Arkansas. But even the older varieties have been overwintering with extra mulch. If you want large plants with the potential to bear fruit, then moving them into the garage each year is still the best bet.
If you want a combination, leave half outside and move half in. Be sure to cut back the foliage after a killing frost, and add several extra inches of mulch to protect the common varieties for the winter.
Janet Carson is a horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. Write to her at P.O. Box 391, Little Rock, Ark. 72203, or email her at
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