Sometimes, growers find the need to change the location of their roses. Perhaps they’re moving to a new home and can’t imagine living without the fruit of their gardening labors. Maybe it’s something as simple as moving the plants to better sunlight. Whatever the reason, transplanting roses is a delicate undertaking, and there are several important steps you must follow, whether they’re going three feet or 30 miles.
Before you begin to extract any plants from the ground, prepare the area that will be receiving your roses. You need to protect the root ball from the glaring rays of the sun, and you want to be sure it retains plenty of water in the process. If at all possible, transplant your roses after sunset for the safest transition.
If you are transporting the roses to a new location by vehicle, plan well ahead for the move. Water your plant thoroughly 24 hours before the move. Once you remove the plant from the ground, immediately wrap the root ball in wet burlap to retain moisture. Remember, water is the number one key to a successful transplant.
If your rose plants are dry and wilting, they are at heightened risk to not survive the relocation, but if they are filled with plenty of water, the demands on the root system are lessened and the transplant will be a success. It is very likely that you will lose part of the roots in the process. Since roses have very deep roots, some loss is manageable provided they are properly hydrated.
When you cull the root ball from the ground, be careful to extract as much of the roots as you possibly can manage. Avoid pruning a healthy plant before removing it from the ground; the plant’s growth is important in producing the sugars necessary to keep the whole plant healthy, so you want to keep this added defense intact. Once the transplant is complete, watch your roses carefully. If you notice any signs of wilting at its tips, it is probably struggling to support its top structure. Increase the amount of water you are giving it, and prune any wilted tips that do not rejuvenate.
Your roses can also benefit from a cup of bone meal added to the bottom soil in the new hole before placing the plant. Make sure to set the plant a bit higher than in its previous location to accommodate settling. The bud union should set about one to two inches above ground level; after a thorough watering, gently press on the plant to eliminate air pockets.
Rose growers say the best time to perform a transplant is in spring at the same time you perform the first post-freeze pruning. At this time, the plant is at its smallest and is easiest to move, and its system is dormant which eliminates the risk of shock. However, if you must transplant your roses during season, follow these precautionary measures and keep your plants watered lavishly to attain the best results.
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About the Author:
Pat Sheriden is a Rose Gardening enthusiast. For more great information on Transplanting Roses, Visit Rose Gardening.
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Tags:deep roots,root ball,rose plants,transplanting roses,wet burlap