Raising Established Burning Bush and Hostas: Avoiding Crown Rot

Grade Change Risks for Established Plants

A Wisconsin gardener needs to raise garden grade by 3+ inches around a burning bush and hostas planted the previous summer, asking if they can simply add soil or must replant.

Replanting Required

Ed Gulliksen advises raising the plants rather than burying them. Adding soil over existing root crowns creates high risk of crown and root rot. The solution:

• Dig large root balls – Preserve maximum feeder roots
• Replant at new grade – Set at proper depth in raised bed
• Apply root stimulator – Aid recovery from transplant stress

Hostas tolerate this process well. Proper replanting prevents future decline from buried crowns.