Transplanting an Existing Plant

• 1). Dig a trench around the azalea or rhododendron, using a small shovel. The trench should be between 12 and 18 inches deep.
  
  
• 2). Cut under the root ball with a garden knife or shears to disconnect it from the remaining root system. These older roots will not affect the plant's chance of survival once transplanted. A healthy root ball should be about 3 feet wide and 8 to 12 inches deep.
  
  
• 3). Lay the plant down on a tarp or piece of wood so you can more easily move it to its new location.
  
  
• 4). Dig a hole 4 feet wide, and 1 inch deeper than the plant's root ball.
  
  
• 5). Set the plant in the hole gently and fill it in with the surrounding soil.
  
  
• 6). Water the plant thoroughly so it can begin to set roots in its new location.
  
  
• 7). Mulch around the plant with your preferred mulch, taking care to leave a 2-inch wide circle around the base of the shrub.
  
  

Transplanting a Container Plant

• 1). Dig a hole 12 inches wider and 6 inches deeper than the root ball of your container-grown azalea or rhododendron.
  
  
• 2). Cut away the container the plant is growing in, to remove the plant. Take care not to disturb the plant's root system.
  
  
• 3). Set the plant in the hole gently so the roots are not crushed.
  
  
• 4). Fill in the hole with the surrounding soil. If you add a soil amendment such as peat moss, don't add more than one-third to the soil volume, the IFAS Extension advises.
  
  
• 5). Water the plant thoroughly so it can begin establishing its roots, and place a bed of mulch about 2 to 3 inches high around the plant to aid in water retention and prevent weeds.