Digging Mertensia

[Jeremy]

I want to send some M. virginica to a friend. When is the best time to dig, when summer-dormant or wait until fall?

[McDonough]

I want to send some M. virginica to a friend. When is the best time to dig, when summer-dormant or wait until fall?

While I'm no expert, my guess is shortly after flowering when the plant goes summer-dormant... giving the plant sufficient time to get re-established on the recipient end.  Your question reminds me, that my plant of this did not come up this year   It's like an old friend, one of the first plants I grew as a young boy at 10 years old, 45 years ago  , and I still love this spring ephemeral plant.

[Plummer]

I agree with Mark that the best time is right before going dormant. I would go with the younger smaller plants as the taproot can get pretty big.

[RickR]

Nothing to add from me, execpt,

Welcome to the forum, Plummer!  We hope to hear more from you!

[McDonough]

I agree with Mark that the best time is right before going dormant. I would go with the younger smaller plants as the taproot can get pretty big.

Hello Bill, glad to see you made you way over here, let me second Rick's welcome to the NARGS Forum!

[ncole]

I agree but have moved them at all times even when they have disappeared.  You have to have a long shovel and go way down.  and wlecome!