Transplanting Roses
Transplanting roses can be done safely without ill effects if a few simple procedures are followed. There are several reasons you may want to transplant including better soil, better sun or just a redesign of your garden space.
The same basic rule applies for transplanting roses as for planting them for the first time. For successful rose planting you must be well organized. Have the ground where you are replanting the rose fully prepared with the correct depth of hole and the bottom earth loose with maybe some compost mixed in. You could also add half a cup of bone meal to boost the nutritional uptake. Make sure you give your rose bush a good watering the evening before you intend doing the transplant. Sufficient hydration is essential for a successful move. When you have everything prepared you avoid the possibility of having the plants root ball exposed to strong sunlight and drying out. If you are transporting the rose bush any distance then it is wise to wrap the base of your plant in a piece of hessian bag and dampen it.
Having a well hydrated plant minimises the shock, because there is less demand on the roots to provide moisture to the main body of the plant. Roses are deep rooted plants and as such it will be impossible to transplant the entire root system. Water will certainly help overcome this while the roots are becoming re-established, giving your rose it’s best chance of survival.
Take care when digging your rose bush up. You should try and get as much of the central root core, or root ball as you can. You will not need to prune the plant before moving it, in fact it is not recommended. Once your plant is snug in it’s new home and well watered in you may find some wilting at the tips of the foliage over the coming days. This is a sign that the root system is not fully supporting the main plant body. You should increase the watering and you may carefully prune the dead tips.
Generally it is considered by rose enthusiasts that transplanting is best carried out during the winter or dormancy period. This is because the plants nutritional requirements are at a minimum and therefore it is much less likely to go into shock. Another small advantage is that the plants will have been pruned at the end of summer and should be easier to manage.
In summary, transplanting is an option you should not be frightened of. In the long run it may well be very advantageous for the rose once it is settled in a new area of your garden with better sunlight or better soil. Being prepared and following the preceding tips will make your move easy and successful. Of course if you are unsure about tranplanting, look for expert advice from other rose enthusiasts who nearly always love to ‘talk roses’. They will be only too pleased to help. With plenty of water and some TLC your rose bush will be back to it’s resplendent self or better!
Happy rose gardening!
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