Sometimes a rose tree is in a location that is no longer suitable for practical or aesthetic reasons. Transplanting it is an easy operation to perform but always with method to ensure its recovery.
Time of transplanting a rose tree
It is always preferable to transplant a young rose tree which is not too developed. Transplanting an old rose will be complicated by the pruning of the main roots and the recovery will be more difficult.
The operation should be carried out during the vegetative rest period from October until February. Always proceed in good weather and out of frost period.
How to proceed?
- Take a pair of gloves and thick clothes to avoid hurting yourself with the thorns.
- Water your rosebush copiously the day before the operation to make the soil more loose and to hydrate the plant.
- Dig a hole of 80 cm in all directions in the place chosen to move your rosebush.
- Scratch the bottom of the hole and pour in a few shovelfuls of compost mixed with ground horn.
- The next day, start by pruning the rose bush to 20 cm from the ground.
- If the branches are not too lignified, you can tie them together to make the next step easier.
- Use a spade fork and plant it deeply around the base of the rosebush, keeping a distance of 40 cm to avoid damaging the roots.
- Use leverage with the spade to pull out the root ball.
- If a root is really recalcitrant, cut it off as far as possible from its base with pruning shears, or even with a saw if it is a very large plant.
- Dress the roots by trimming them slightly to form a harmonious root ball. Take advantage of this to remove any soft or dry roots.
- Soak the roots with a mixture of garden soil, water, mycorrhizae and cow dung.
- Place your rose in the bottom of the hole prepared the day before, adding as much soil as necessary to the bottom of the hole so that when planted, the grafting point of the rose will protrude at least 2 cm from the ground.
- Fill in the hole and pack well, forming a bowl around the plant.
- Water copiously.
How to care for a newly transplanted rose?
If it does not rain, water your rose often to ensure its recovery. Watering should be very regular throughout the summer so that the root system can establish itself properly.
Mulch the base to protect the still fragile roots from frost.
