Transplanting Suckers

Suckers are young plants that sprout from the horizontal roots of a parent plant. If they have adequate roots, the suckers can often be dug up, separated from the parent plant, and planted elsewhere. However, because this technique can harm the parent plant, it should not be used in a natural area unless it is slated for bulldozing. It can be used with plants already established in your yard.

Try to disturb the parent plant as little as possible– dig up just enough root to separate the plants. With a sharp shovel or pruners, sever the root connecting the sucker to the parent plant. Be sure the sucker has enough roots to survive on its own. Try to keep the sucker's roots encased in their soil, and keep the roots moist until replanted.

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