Sometimes we have plants in our gardens that don't die. Maybe they don't even look sick, but they just don't shine. Perhaps they just haven't found their niche. Your autumn sage (Salvia greggi) may be a small, quiet shrub in the dappled shade of your back yard; but move it to full sun, and it will triple in size and bloom from spring until frost. May times, bulbs such as amaryllis will come up year after year in our gardens but never do more than produce big green leaves. Chances are they aren't happy and would love to be moved to a sunnier spot.
On the other hand, if your holly fern just sits there and your neighbor's fern is four feet across, perhaps a move to a shadier, more protected spot would suit it better. Sometimes our plants grow more than we anticipate, and one or two of a group need to be moved to a new home somewhere else in your landscape.
Don't give up on plants that don't perform for you. Most perennials don't mind being moved at all. Just remember that, for the best results, you should do your moving while the plants are dormant, before a new growth season. October is usually a good time for spring-blooming perennials. By moving them at that time, you avoid the stressful summer heat, and they will have plenty of time to produce roots before really cold weather arrives.
Anne Pattulo, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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