Camellia transplant

I have inherited one 14 years ago, when we moved here. I tried to transplant it, but the roots are so deep, I had to leave where is. Its in a part of the garden where it can only be seen fairly close range. But it is such a lovely plant and obviously likes where it is. Rich crimson flowers which stay on for quite a long time.

thank you everyone for the advice sorry for delay in responding baking cakes for the workmen, keeps them happy - will give it a try we have saved 6 goldfish from the neglected pond so fingers crossed with the camellia as well

You should also cut it back, and forget about this year's blossom. When you move a shrub you lose a good third of its small root system, and so should cut back the shrub by about a third. At this time of year it will be desperately trying to grow but you need it to send out new roots not shoots. Keep it well watered with rain water, not tap water that may come from chalky hills.

yes worrying about this year's blossom is probably not the place to be. Get it moved before the leaf-growth begins.

Do it ASAP before the weather warms up. Dig the hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. Then place the loosened soil back into the correct depth. Sit the camellia in and water well. Loosely backfill with the earth. Water again. Then pack the soil in more closely. Keep well watered for at least two months.

The reason for digging out the soil to twice the width and depth beforehand is to give the roots the best possible chance to grow downwards and sideways without having to fight through compacted soil.

It's always a gamble moving an established bush but I've done it often and only lost one.

It might be difficult to keep it alive once transplanted. The roots would need pruning the winter before moving and it's too late to do that now. You might be better off taking it out and buying a new one which you can start off in a pot so it doesn't need planting out until the building work is all finished.