How to Transplant Kerria

Select an appropriate site for the kerria. Kerria prefers partial to full shade. Although the plant will still grow well, the flowers will develop a bleached appearance in sunny sites. Kerria can grow in a range of soil types but will generally perform best in moist but well-drained and loamy soil with moderate fertility.

Plan the transplant. It will be ideal to perform the transplant in early spring or early fall, though container-grown kerria can be moved in spring, summer or fall. Consider having the soil in the new site tested and amend the soil as recommended. To improve drainage, work organic matter into the soil.

Dig a hole where the kerria will be placed. Make the hole for the transplant about three times wider than the root ball and twice as deep.

Remove the kerria from its current location. Use a sharp spade and shovel, working around the perimeter of the shrub, to remove as much of the root system as possible. Try to dig up a root ball about two-thirds the size of the branch spread. When lifting the kerria out, use pruning shears or loppers to sever any roots that remain securely in the ground.

Cover the root ball with damp burlap or another suitable material if the kerria will not be placed in the ground immediately. Protect the roots and never allow them to dry out during transplanting.

Place the kerria in the hole. It should be planted at the same depth as it was planted at its previous site or in the container. Add soil under the kerria to make sure that the crown of the plant is at or slightly above ground level. Backfill the hole with the previously removed soil.

Water the site thoroughly immediately after planting. Unless a soaking rain occurs, water the transplanted kerria slowly and deeply every two weeks or so for the first year following transplant. During especially hot and dry weather, the kerria may require more frequent watering.

Mulch the area around the kerria. Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch over the ground around the shrub, leaving a 3-inch space around the crown.

Trim off any branches that were broken or damaged during the transplant process.