when is the right time to transplant a garrya elliptica?

Well, not when we are expecting such cold weather! Don't even think about it if the ground is frozen. How big is it? If smallish - medium sized,, as soon as the temperatures rise, you could get the new site ready and dig as much of the rootball out as possible - slide it onto a sack or tarpaulin to move it, then firm it in and water it. Keep watering weekly if the weather is dry.

Autumn is really the best time, but early spring should be fine.

Thanks Spritzhenry. I was aware that as it bears its catkins during winter and early spring, next couple of months at least would not be a good idea. Autumn sounds best, though as the reason for transplanting is because it's now one of three too close to each other for their size, maybe I'll chance April/May. It's about 4 foot high right now, though this is after I pruned it in October. I'd prune it back again before moving. As the other two are a camellia and a palm, I'm more inclined to risk losing the garrya!

Woodyer

Good luck with it - I hope it thrives in its new position!

Hi Woodyer,
I was looking at one of these this morning in the garden of a garden centre and it had lots of catkins. Has yours got any? I think I would move it when its flowered. After all we haven't been short of water lately!

I would be inclined to do it in April (weather permitting!) rather than leave it till May. This will be before it has got into its stride for this year and will give it as long as possible to recover in the growing season

Thanks Andrewr. April it will be. See my earlier posting Celandine - yes to the catkins hence no plan to move it for the next few weeks. especially not today in the snow!!

Woodyer