It seems a terrible shame to attempt the dig of this very old camellia. Why not let it survive and thrive where it is? It's a big risk and would take professional resources, in my opinion. Millions and millions of people have left their grannies' homesteads to move elsewhere. Take cuttings with you.....not the plant. Let that part of your heritage thrive where it is.

That is my heart-felt opinion, having had to leave a property or two behind. It's a blessing to go back and visit those plants!

Another thing to consider is that the older a plant is, the less able it is to recover from stress. Plants get weaker and prone to problems as they age, just like we do. Fact, not theory.

You make some good points. Probably will leave it. I'd feel terrible if it didn't make it! Thanks, Beth

Exactly. There's lots of good web sites explaining how to best take camellia cuttings. Attached is just one, in case you haven't been exploring yet.

Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia propagation