How to Transplant Elaeagnus Pungens
Commonly called silverthorn, Elaeagnus pungens is a broadleaf evergreen shrub widely cultivated within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9. The shrubs rapidly reach a mature height of 10 to 20 feet with a 10- to 15-foot spread, so many require transplanting to a larger, more suitable location. Silverthorns transplant reliably and will quickly establish a new root system if planted in a sunny bed. However, in warm Mediterranean climates, silverthorn shrubs must be transplanted in early spring or autumn since the moderate temperatures and moist weather prevent stress while encouraging rapid root growth.
Transplant silverthorn shrubs during the wet, mild early spring or autumn months. Transplant them at least eight weeks before the average first date of frost, if planting in autumn in an inland location.
Root prune the silverthorn shrub six to eight months before moving it. Etch out a radial line beneath the shrub to use as a guide for digging. Make the radius equal to half the spread of the shrub's lowest branches. For instance, a 36-inch-wide branch spread needs an 18-inch radius and a 48-inch-wide branch spread needs a 24-inch radius.
Dig a trench along the outer edge of the radial line using a sharp shovel. Make the trench at least 16 inches in depth so the surface roots are completely severed. Dig at a slight angle away from the shrub to avoid harming the interior of the rootball.
Loosen the soil you removed while digging the trench. Backfill the trench with the loosened soil to protect the roots. Run water into the newly filled trench to settle the soil and collapse any air pockets.
Prepare a sunny, well-draining planting site two weeks before digging up the silverthorn shrub. Weed the bed and remove all rocks, twigs or debris from the soil. Break up the soil to a 15-inch depth using a cultivating fork and water it thoroughly to settle the soil.
Tie up the branches of the silverthorn shrub with twine to make working around it and handling it easier. Mark the north-facing side of the shrub with a length of ribbon or twine so you can orient it properly at the planting site.
Excavate the filled-in trench around the base of the silverthorn shrub. Carefully remove all the soil using a sharp shovel. Work the shovel blade underneath the rootball at an angle and pry it free. Repeat this at four or more points around the rootball.
Get help to lift the shrub from the ground. Grip the base of the trunk and carefully remove it. Wrap the rootball in moistened burlap so the roots don't dry out while moving the shrub to the transplant site.
Dig a planting hole that is twice the width of and 2 inches shallower than the rootball. Place the rootball in the center of the hole with ribbon marker facing north. Backfill around it with loose soil. Spray the soil with a hose occasionally to settle it. Firm the soil with your foot.
Build a 3-inch-tall soil berm around the newly filled planting hole. Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of organic mulch inside the berm leaving a 3-inch gap between the mulch and the shrub's trunk. Run water into the berm until it is filled.
Water to a 4-inch depth weekly during the shrub's first season in the new location. Cease watering during wet weather. Collapse the soil berm after the first season and expand the mulch layer by 1 foot or so to protect the roots.
- Measuring tape
- Sharp shovel
- Garden hose
- Organic mulch
- If transplanting silverthorn into a lawn, remove all grass and plants in a 12-inch radius around the rootball to minimize competition.
- University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service: Elaeagnus Pungens
- Floridata: Elaeagnus Pungens
- Clemson Cooperative Extension: Transplanting Established Trees & Shrubs
- University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources; California Master Gardener Handbook; Planting Woody Landscape Plants