How to Transplant a Rose

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By Paula K. Parker
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Rose Bush

Are you moving to a new house and would like to take your favorite rose bush with you? Or do you want to move the rose to a better location in your flower garden? Either way, there are steps you can take to insure that your rose makes the transition and continues to thrive.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Shovel
Yardstick
Mulch
Potting soil
Peat moss
Rose gauntlets or sturdy gardening gloves
Wheelbarrow or tarp
Water hose

Step 1

Select the new location for the rose based upon sunlight, soil condition, drainage and room. Roses need at least six hours of sunlight a day but, the more sun they get, the better they thrive. They need good soil with adequate drainage. Lastly, they need room for their branches to grow.
Step 2

Dig the hole for the rose first. It needs to be at least two feet wide and two feet deep but, if you are moving an established rose, the root ball might be bigger, needing a larger hole in the new location.
Step 3

Fill the new hole with water and watch to see if it is draining well; the water should disappear within several hours. Inadequate drainage can cause the roots of the rose to rot. Water the rose well the day before you move it.
Step 4

Dig far enough away from the rose’s root ball that you do not damage the roots and are able to keep as much of the root ball intact as possible. Wear rose gauntlets or sturdy gardening gloves when handling the rose to protect your hands.
Step 5

Move the rose to the new location. You can do this by carrying the rose, putting it in a wheelbarrow or by putting it on a tarp and dragging it to the new hole.
Step 6

Place the rose into the hole; adjust the rose until it is in the position you like. Make sure the bud union is at the top of the hole. Use the yard stick or the handle of the shovel to determine this.
Step 7

Mix equal amounts of mulch, potting soil and peat moss on top of tarp or in the wheelbarrow. Add about 1/2 of this mixture around the roots of the rose and carefully tamp down with your foot. Water the soil well and allow the water to settle. Add the remainder of the soil mixture and water again.
Step 8

Water the rose every day for at least a week or two, depending upon the time of year and how hot it is in your area. Do not fertilize or use insecticides until you see new growth on the rose.