How to move embedded Bleeding Heart?

last year

These 2 BHs are growing between large stones that line stone steps. They love it there and are very large, but they completely cover the steps. I let them do their thing and then cut back after they are done blooming. The foliage is still nice but the steps can't be used because they are so large. I want to move them where they can grow as large as they want and spread seeds.

This is the situation after I cut back the stalks that were over the steps. If digging them out means they die, I won't do it and will just cut keep them back every year. Is it worth trying to dig them out or are they likely to not make it?

This photo is from early spring 2022 and they are much larger now. The stones are too large to move.

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Rory (Zone 6b)
Original Author

last year

One down, one to go.

This is the sliver of space that the very large BH was growing from. I used a linesman's saw to get between the 2 large stones.

This is how it came out (with a good bit of leverage).

I put all of the pieces back into the ground under a Redbud. There were 2 Fothergilla in this location but they were dying so I pulled them out.

Fingers crossed that at least a few of these survive.

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Comments (6)

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
last year
Provided you can get as large a rootball as possible, it should transplant fine. The roots tend to be quite brittle but these plants benefit from division every 3-5 years anyway, so not a big deal if the rootball separates into several clumps.

It could be tricky working around the flagstones to dig as much of the root system as possible. Root portions that remain will most probably be the start of a new plant in the same location.
Rory (Zone 6b) thanked gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
Rory (Zone 6b)
Original Author
last year
I will give it a go and see if I can get a least part of them unstuck.
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peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
last year
Just as insurance you could let some seed pods develop. You can then plant the seeds where you want them.
Rory (Zone 6b) thanked peren.all Zone 5a Ontario Canada
marmiegard_z7b
last year
The way they are growing between the stones, your best tool might be a digging knife or a straight spade. You would be aiming more for cutting straight down and taking a narrow-ish section, just as if you were straight- spade dividing a clump. It does seem likely, as per gardengal , that there’ll be remaining root mass that may re- grow, and you’d then need to decide if you want to kill that off or dig more out later.
Rory (Zone 6b) thanked marmiegard_z7b
pennlake
last year
I have moved many seedlings from my walkways. All of the above is true: they are brittle, they will respout next year if you leave any behind and they seed freely. However, I’ve always done it in September.
Rory (Zone 6b) thanked pennlake