Native Transplants
An experiment has been underway to transplant divisions of native plants found in the wild to the home garden. This started with dividing native Oregon grape many years ago. There was an area that needed something that would not require watering or care on a southeast facing slope. It transplanted well and has flourished, although at times it needs to have creeping tough rhizomes cut back.
Another successful division and transplant was native stonecrop. This dry soil plant is found on dry, rocky, open south-facing slopes.
Another success was finding and transplanting Okanogan fameflower. We lifted specimens that were divisions, not standalones. We planted them in rockeries and they have survived for years, flowering each summer.
We have transplanted bitterroot too, but with seasonal success only. The long taproot can’t be broken when moving the plant. We will try again, getting more of the root and giving it some time in the greenhouse.
We have taken stem cuttings and have propagated a few shrubs too. They are still in early stages of growth.
Recently we lifted western spring beauty corms and upland larkspurs. So far so good. We will follow up with a progress report.