Can I safely transplant a very old rose bush without pruning first?

Ktr10008624
by Ktr10008624
  9 answers
  • Cindy Cindy on Jun 23, 2017

    Hello Ktresa7, I cannot recommend pruning at this time of the year. I would also not transplant the rose bush at this time of the year either. But if you have to absolutely transplant the rose bush now, try pulling a pillow case over the bush. Then wrap a rope around the base. Then start digging approx. 3 feet from the base of plant all the way around. Try not to disturb the roots. If you continue digging at the same distance all the way around, you will create a root ball. Dig it out carefully. Put the whole thing on a blanket and wrap it up. Wishing you all the best. Good luck.

  • Jason T. Lee Jason T. Lee on Jun 23, 2017

    yes but its not a good idea to do it now. Late fall after the first frost when it has gone dormant for the year is best.

  • Don't prune it, it isn't the time and opens it up for diseases. Triming and cleaning up is ok. This link should help a little. Good luck with moving your vintage baby!


    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/how-to-transplant-roses-tips-for-transplanting-a-rose-bush.htm

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Jun 24, 2017

    Transplanting should be done in early spring before the new growth appears or in the fall when it starts to go dormant.

  • Johnchip Johnchip on Jun 24, 2017

    Roses are fussy old things. They like one spot and thrive or die quickly due to conditions not just right or the same they grew up in. If it is very old and has been there longer than you, I would leave it. She has squatter rights.

  • Mrs22407073 Mrs22407073 on Jun 24, 2017

    I think you're right to wait. I'm in Texas and lost two Knockout Roses when I planted them out of their buckets into the full sun. It was just too much for them. I wouldn't take the chance!

  • yes donitbin the fall

  • Sue Sue on Jun 24, 2017

    Most important thing I've found is to make certain you dig up the whole tap root. Not only dig down equidistant from base all around, but go down VERY deep. Who knew a rose had a tap root! Also important to water well, use rich soil, and i was going to say "keep it cozy" -- but in Texas keep it cool in part shade. I transplanted 100 year old roses, peonies, and iris when we sold my grandmother's house.


  • Judy Judy on Jun 24, 2017

    I would not try to move it now. But I have transplanted older rose bushes. Make it happen in the Spring. I did not get all of the tap root. I was able to