Every once in awhile it's necessary to move one of our treasured rose bushes - which doesn't have to cause a panic - it can be done successfully when done carefully.
Follow these simple tips and your rose bush transplant will go smoothly and you'll have your bush thriving again in no time.
In the same way, when you first planted your rose, you will have to select an area where you rose will get at 5 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Once you have found the perfect spot, you will prepare the hole in the same manner as the first time you planted your rose.
Dig the hole at least 15 inches deep and 18 inches wide.
Work the soil at the bottom of the hole with a little bone meal and compost.
This will enrich the soil and provide important nutrients for the root system once it's placed inside.
Create a mound of soil in the bottom of the hole so you can carefully drape the roots over it.
You will want to generously water your plant the day before you uproot it.
A fully hydrated plant will be less likely to go into shock.
It's best if you transplant during the rose's dormant season, but this isn't absolutely essential.
During the dormant season the rose is not growing.
Also, if you've pruned the bush it will be more compact and easier to move.
But, if it's not the dormant season and you have to transplant your rose, don't severely prune it before moving it - it's not necessary to do this.
When you're ready to dig out your established plant be sure to dig wide around its structure.
Keep in mind that the root system is fairly wide and deep, so try to be careful not to cut any of the roots.
If you run into one (and you most likely will) simply cut it with sharp trimmers.
You can anticipate having to cut some of the roots - don't let that alarm you.
But if you dig wide and deep enough you should avoid most of them.
If you are taking your rose to another site and need to transport it, be sure to wrap it in wet burlap.
Again, keeping the plant fully hydrated will protect it and give you better results.
If you're simply moving it to another spot in your yard, get the shovel under the root ball and gently lift it.
Some of the soil will fall off and that's fine.
You may want a helper at this point because it can be quite heavy.
Once your rose is safely in its new location, replace the soil and compact it gently.
Water it well and add more soil as needed to get the ground level up to about 1/4 inch under the bud union (if you live in warmer winter climates - approximately 1 to 2 inches under the soil if you live in colder winter climates).
The soil should very wet at this point.
Wait about a week and then begin your regular watering regime.
Give you plant some time to get established.
If you notice that leaf tips look shriveled, check the soil for dampness - if dry be sure to water right away.
Otherwise, give it time - you can trim off the leaves if you desire.
That's all there is to it!