How to Transplant Rose Bushes in August
Transplanting any kind of plant in the heat of August is never ideal, but if you intend to transplant rose bushes in August, use extra care to assure their health and survival. Transplanting a rose bush is always a delicate task that requires proper follow-up. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden gloves
- Rose bushes
- Spade
- Shovel
- Pruners
- Compost
- Peat moss
- Water
- Mulch
Instructions
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First, sever some of the rose's longer roots. Garden Guides.com says that about 2 weeks before you plan to transplant, drive your spade or shovel into the ground around your rose bush in a circle about 18 inches from the plant. This will sever longer roots and cause your rose bush to grow additional, shorter roots inside the circle for a denser root ball.
Then, using your pruners, cut the canes and stems of your rose bush back by about one third, cutting just above a bud or where the leaf grows from the stem.
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Dig the planting hole. It should be one and a half times the size of the rose's expected root system and deep enough to plant the rose so that the roots are fully buried and the "knot" at the base of the plant is resting just above soil level.
The soil should be loose, but not sandy. If you need to, add organic matter such as composted manure or compost mixed with a shovelful of peat moss. Mix this up and work it into the hole soil.
Fill the hole to the top with water and allow it to absorb into the ground surrounding the hole.
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Remove your rose from its existing home. Dig around the roots at about 18 inches away from the plant, being careful to get deep enough to get the roots out of the ground intact. Carefully remove your rose bush from the ground and immediately transfer it to the new hole you've prepared for it.
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Adjust your rose in it's new home, adding soil under and around it until it is correctly positioned, tamp the soil firmly around your rose bush and then water the soil well. Mulch the area to help keep moisture in the soil.
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Thoroughly water your transplanted rose at least every other day for two to three weeks, remembering to water only the soil, not letting water splash up on the plant. Monitor your transplanted rose bushes carefully to assure they are getting enough water to help them recover from the transplant.
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Tips & Warnings
Never let your rose's roots stay exposed for more than a minute or two, especially in hot August weather. If your rose's roots will be exposed for longer, wrap them in newspaper that has been moistened with water, and place the rose in a shady spot.
