Expert: Mike Mascio - 3/24/2009

Question
I had bushels of gorgeous fuchsia petunias in my flower bed in Texas.  I recently had my flower beds and tree remulched, and unfortunately, the new yardman dug up my petunias and replanted them.  The petunias lied down and looked to be in extremely poor health the next day after the replanting.  I water them and 2 days later, I went to Home Depot for advice and they suggested that I apply Quick Start by Miracle Grow.  I applied the Quick Start according to the directions and have been watering them every other day.  They are barely responding, lying on the ground, the stems have a very pale green color (most are brown and dried up) and there are only a few flowers.  It has been 5 days now.  Is there anything else I can do to save my petunias?  There were a few petunias that appear not to have been moved (I did not apply Quick Start to those), but their stems are now turning to a pale green and they are starting to lie down a bit.  Also, I have some small plants in my flower bed and the tips of their leaves are turning yellow.  Do you think it is something wrong with the mulch?  My flowers and plants were beautiful before the new yardman touched them.  Thanks.

Answer
There's no question your plants are experiencing transplant shock. Once plants establish a root system, they do not like being moved. If there is no other option, it is very important to move them carefully by leaving as much of the root ball intact as possible.

It is hard to say how your plants will respond long term since I do not know if the new gardener transplanted them properly. As professionals, I would certainly hope so. I would definitely give them another week. Make sure they are watered daily until they perk up. If you see no improvement within a week, they probably will not survive.

In regard to your other plants turning yellow, make sure the mulch is not too deep around the plants. Also make sure the mulch is not touching the stems. Add some fertilizer high in iron to green the plants back to their normal color. If the mulch is organic and contains no dyes, it should not be a concern.

Good luck, and please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike