Moving Schipka Laurel for Rhododendron 'Loderi King George'

Picture it - a 6 ft. tall Schipka Laurel used to stand here (I forgot to take a "before" shot and don't feel like searching for one).  I knew when I planted it that it was probably a bad idea but thought it would be good for a fast-growing screen along the back fence-row. I'm sure all gardeners do this, especially if you have a new garden and are eager for greenery. In all fairness to the laurel, it is a useful plant and I would argue even a beautiful one when nicely maintained. Before I dug this one up, I stood back and admired it and felt the guilt pangs stabbing at my heart. 

I removed a much larger laurel than this a few years ago and they are not the easiest plant to dig out. I was determined to save this one and I believe I was successful. 

Here is a thought and you can take this to the bank - the pot you choose to hold a plant that you dig up will ALWAYS be too small. Always! 

So, after finding the largest pot I could, here it is, after being cut back pretty drastically - I will pass this along to anyone who wants it -

Notice the leaves appeared unphased after this upheaval. The pot has been soaked by almost 2" of rain during the past two days (hooray for that!) but even without that, this plant is a survivor and so tough.

The funny thing is the plant that is going to replace it will no doubt, in time, grow larger than the laurel if left unattended. It is a rhododendron that I've wanted for a long time - 'Loderi King George'. Had I found one of these years ago, it would already be in the ground. We just got some nice big ones at the garden center. This rhododendron is reputed to be one of the best and has white to pale pink flowers that are scented.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy