Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Wednesday - May 13, 2009
From: Grenville sur la rouge, QC
Region: Canada
Topic: Best of Smarty, Planting, Transplants, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Transplanting Trillium in Quebec.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I live in the Laurentiens of Quebec where they are putting a HWY in my back yard. I have a lot of white trillium that I am wanting to transplant before they start the excavation but, I have heard the they don’t transplant very well unless you dig up the whole bulb of the flower, is this true if so how far down and wide do you have to dig to make sure your flowers you are transplanting stay a live? Thank you,ANSWER:
From what I have found, it is true that Trillium does not transplant well. According to various sources, your timing is also bad; some suggest that you attempt transplanting in early spring, and others prefer the fall after flowering. In your case, it doesn't seem like you have any choice. So as you proceed, keep thinking that its is difficult, but not impossible.
A previous question deals with the issues involved in transplanting Trillium, and you should be able to glean some good information from it. A Master Gardener fact sheet from the Toronto Botanical Garden should also prove helpful. For a source of help closer to home try Flora Quebeca.
Two helpful hints that I have picked up in researching this question:
1. Dig carefully with a spading fork, not a shovel, to avoid slicing the rhizomes which may lead to infection.
2. Leave as much soil as possible surrounding the rhizomes.
The depth and width of the hole that you dig depends on the individual plant. Some rhizomes can be up to a foot deep in rich soil.
More Herbs/Forbs Questions
Creekside Groundcover for Upstate New York
October 22, 2015 - I live in Upstate New York in Rochester. Our winters can have lows of -10 at night at times. I have 1,300 linear feet of creekside land that seniors can view from their homes. Because of the brush, it...
view the full question and answer
Pool-side ornamentals for south Louisiana
May 07, 2012 - We live in south Louisiana and are re-doing the plants around our pool. What are some low maintenance, small shrubs (flowering) or other ornamentals that would be good in this area?
view the full question and answer
Plants for a creek bank in Northern Illinois
March 26, 2009 - Hello.
I live in Northern Illinois. The creek (northern exposure in a wooded area) on the back of my property has bare muddy banks and is subject to seasonal floods. I want to plant something hardy t...
view the full question and answer
Manor, TX in Blackland Prairie ecoregion
June 27, 2006 - Hi, I am planning an event for my community in Shadowglen and Manor, TX so my neighbors can learn about using native plants in the landscape to create healthier habitat for wildlife and be more respon...
view the full question and answer
Copper Canyon daisy leaves turning yellow in Spring Branch TX
September 01, 2010 - My Copper Canyon daisies have grown well this year but the leaves are turning yellow. Any ideas?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |