Can I move these plants during the winter? (Ferns, Hydrangea, tree)

[mikandmari]

I'm selling my house, with a closing date at the end of January. I have listed in the exclusions "some small shrubs and perennial plants". I'm going to give the buyer a list of the plants I want to take.

I live in the mid-Atlantic area.... currently under under a foot of (unseasonable) snow. If the snow thaws outs, and the ground is diggable... can I move this stuff during the winter? Or should I return after the spring thaw? These are the plants I want to take:

Dwarf oak hydrangea
Carpet rose
Climbing rose
Brunnera
Huchera
Wild Asian Ginger
Maidenhair fern
Fig tree -- very small-- just planted last year

Thanks for any advice. I didn't ever think I would move during the winter!

Marianne

[mamh]

Hi
What I would do is take your list to your local Ag extension/ master gardener desk and show it to them..Tell them where you are moving too and they can advise you on what to do..
At your new house are you going to have the soil ready to plant as soon as you arrive, is it in the same zone ect..
You might find it easier just to start over..But ask first...
Good luck

[paperhouse]

I'm assuming you're moving nearby, within the same zone at least?

Dwarf oak hydrangea - Should be okay.
Carpet rose - no.
Climbing rose - no. Especially if it's a grafted plant.
Brunnera - maybe, depends on the age of the plant. Too young and it might not survive.
Huchera - should be fine.
Wild Asian Ginger - no. Move only in spring when you see new growth.
Maidenhair fern - ferns are divided in late fall and winter, so yes.
Fig tree -- very small-- just planted last year - really depends on the variety, but I would not. I've got one to move, and won't touch it until late March. Also newly planted this year. Very fussy about their roots and you could disturb them too much.

[bustaduke]

Originally Posted by mikandmari

Or should I return after the spring thaw? These are the plants I want to take:

Marianne

You may want to check on the laws in your state.

Here in Louisiana I was told by a real estate agent that once the closing is complete, everything left behind belongs to the new owner.

busta

[paperhouse]

Originally Posted by bustaduke

You may want to check on the laws in your state.

Here in Louisiana I was told by a real estate agent that once the closing is complete, everything left behind belongs to the new owner.

busta

As long as it's written into the contract that specific plants will be removed by a specific date, she should be okay, but it would be wise to check with the realtor in any case.