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Need to id this shrub, because we want to move it.

6 years ago

Hi all. I would so appreciate an ID on this huge shrub growing in Everett Washington. The photo color is misleading. The plant is a very dark green. The first shrub photo shows more of an olive color, when in fact it is a very dark forest green. The photo showing the leaves, makes the color look lighter. The plant is dark in value. The fence behind the plant is 6 feet, so the plant is 20+ feet tall. It's at my sons new home. They want to move it, but I would like to have an id to read up on tips for transplanting to lessen our chance of killing it. Thanks for having a look. I just don't believe I have ever seen this plant before.

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Laurie (8A)
Original Author

6 years ago

This is at my Sons home. Daughter in law seems to want to move it, and I try to not get too bossy in her garden, well; I try. And no, it's not 20 feet tall, KEN. What a typo. I noticed it and could not edit. It's 11 or 12 feet.

I will recommend removing it with their truck. Sounds way better than digging and moving.

I originally suggested ripping it out and abandoned the idea when she wanted to save it. I so appreciate your post, Ken and Smivies, I really needed a slap on the back of the head. It is crazy to move this one. It barely even flowers for her now. Pretty sure I was part of the work party she had in mind, so you all saved me a long morning. Thank you. You really helped with this one. I wonder how I gardened without this site in the past.

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Comments (8)

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK
6 years ago
It's a Spiraea. I'm not good on the different species. Perhaps S nipponica? There would have been white flowers in Spring. Moving it will be quite a project. Heavy pruning wouldn't hurt it. Or you could grow new ones from cuttings.
Mens Tortuosa(5b Omaha, NE)
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The branches look like spiraea nipponica 'snowmound'. The bush's shape is unusual and interesting for a snowmound, however.
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
The fence behind the plant is 6 feet, so the plant is 20+ feet tall.

==>>> i dont understand .... since it looks barely taller than the fence ...

im tending to agree with flora ... this is nearly a large equipment sized job.. for a plant you could buy for $10 or so ...

there is usually a large gap between what you want to do.. and what you should do ....

but if they are young and energetic ... then what the heck.. go for it.. dig about a 3 foot round root ball of soil.. figure out how to lift it out of the hole ...move it across the yard.. gently get it in the new hole... etc ...

[again.. 4 or 5 hours of intense back breaking labor.. for a $20 plant]

if you were anywhere else than the PNW .. i would suggest to wait until fall.. a more forgiving season .... but some of the locals up your way.. suggest that just isnt an issue ... she will correct me later about local lore if i misquote ... or if you are on some magical side of some mountain with its own unique rules ...

ken
Mens Tortuosa(5b Omaha, NE)
6 years ago
If you really want to move it, I'd say cut it back to the ground this winter and move it in the spring. These are very fast growing and super hardy shrubs. If you just want it gone, tie a tow strap around it and yank it out with a truck.
Embothrium
6 years ago
Move when not in leaf. Cut down low at the time of moving for convenience and to start over with an new top that has a natural shape. However do not cut all the way to the ground as this is probably excessive.
Smivies (Ontario - 5b)
6 years ago
20' tall? More like 10-11'.

I wouldn't try moving that one...a little too big for the effort and a variety one could buy at a garden centre for relatively little cost and grows very quickly.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
6 years ago
yes.. the old cost benefit ratio ...

im not going to put a couple hundred dollars of labor into moving a 10 dollar plant ...

ken

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