Why Transplant Roses
Roses have gotten an undeserved reputation for being difficult to grow. That assertion is largely untrue; in fact, there are many types of roses that are easy to grow for beginning and experienced gardeners alike. Like all plants, roses need certain conditions to grow well and one of the most important of these is the right location. There are several reasons why you might need to transplant your roses. For roses to grow well, they need a lot of sunlight. If you have mistakenly planted your rose bush in a spot with too much shade, it will not thrive. You can transplant the rose to a location with more optimal lighting conditions. Roses also need good drainage. If your rose bush is located in a low spot or one that remains soggy you need to transplant it to a spot with better soil. To improve drainage add compost to the existing soil to create a high-quality loam. Additionally, gardeners sometimes fail to take into account the mature size of their shrub before they plant. Allowing enough space for your full-size rose solves a number of problems caused by overcrowding. Leaving adequate space between plants provides good air circulation which improves the overall health of the plant and helps to prevent the spread of disease. If planted too close to walkways and high traffic areas, a mature variety with thorns can turn into a painful problem. Pruning can sometimes help but transplanting is another option.
Best Time to Transplant Roses
Three conditions will help you determine the best time to transplant your rose shrub. First, choose a time when your rose is dormant (not actively growing). The correct time of year will differ depending on your climate and growing zone. Second, moderate temperatures are more conducive to success. You won’t be able to move the plant if the ground is frozen. On the other hand, hot weather can cause wilting and transplant shock. The third condition concerns moisture. A cloudy, overcast day will raise moisture levels in the air which is much better for your transplant than hot, dry conditions. Taking those factors into account, the best time to transplant a rose in the northern hardiness zones is in early spring. For those living in more southern hardiness zones, you can transplant roses in spring or fall. Most roses will be dormant during these times. Temperatures are usually more moderate with a greater number of moist, cloudy days.
How to Transplant Rose Bushes
For safety, wear thick gloves to protect your hands from thorns. Prune the bush to make it more compact. Not only will it look better, but there’s a practical reason to prune. Digging up the rose will likely result in the loss of some roots which will diminish support for the above-ground growth. Pruning or cutting back helps to even the balance and gives the entire plant a better chance for a successful transplant. To get the transplant off to a good start, mix a handful of bone meal and some compost into the soil you removed from the new planting hole. Begin filling in around the roots, feathering the roots in places where they may be compacted. Gently tamp down the soil as you refill the hole then water the shrub thoroughly. You may need to add more soil after watering to keep the graft union in the proper position. It’s best to check your rose every few days to make sure the soil stays moist. Once you begin to see new green growth, the shrub has set in and you can continue with regular maintenance. A layer of mulch will conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
