Moving an Impatiens tinctoria

[AndyC]

It was in the wrong place and had to be repositioned but as usual I didn't think the job through before I started. I was totally unprepared for what I found underground.

I guess it isn't going to enjoy the move, I should have asked you guys about it prior to getting the spade out :roll:

[DaveP]

I wouldn't worry about it Andy. I ripped a much larger root out, incurring far more damage and not only did the main crown carry on as though nothing had happened, but also pieces of root left behind sprouted as well. It became very large (3m x 3m) and persistent here so I had to resort to stern measures to eradicate it. There look to be plenty of emergent shoots on your clump so replant in a suitable spot, mulch with compost or well rotted manure and stand back!

[Mark]

:shock: That's a tuber and a half Andy. I still heven't got round to planting my puny specimen out yet.

[AndyC]

You might be surprised as to what you find in the pot Mark.
Thanks for the reassurance Dave, I've replanted them with a mulch and a good watering so hopefully it will be ok.
Apparently the tubers can be used to make a red dye, pity they aren't edible.

[Melissa]

Wow I didn't realise they had tubers like that.

Melissa

[AdamD]

I remember the chap at Cally Gardens telling me about the way that the tubers grow downwards when I bought mine the year before last.

How far do they go down on a big, mature clump?