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How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It? 8 Simple Steps!

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Moving rose bushes is difficult, but it is possible if you take precautions to preserve their safety and health. To ensure they survive, you must know how and when to relocate them.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to move a rose bush without killing it. Don’t be intimidated by the fact that transplanting rose bushes isn’t a simple or quick task. With the right preparation, it can be done.

Roses are wonderful plants, but they take a lot of attention to maintain their health and vigor. They are particularly sensitive to being relocated, but with careful care, including advice on when and how to move a rose bush, you may enjoy their beauty for many years to come.

Rose bushes will acclimatize and thrive in their new home as long as you take preventive measures.

There are many varieties of roses, each with its requirements for the best growing conditions. There are four main rose types; landscape, hybrid tea, climbing and miniature rose bushes.

Each is good for different purposes; some are best in the ground, while others must be planted in containers. A miniature rose bush, for example, is best in a container.

The proper time to transplant a rose bush is in early spring or autumn; however, if you’re not sure when to move a rose bush, do it in the cool of the evening. If your rose bush has been in the same location for several years, it won’t be easy to move.

The roots of each rose bush are very deep and extensive, so transplanting at this time is very stressful for the plant. Ensure that if you move a rose bush, it will be to a well-prepared and permanent location. 

How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It
How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It

A Garden Guide on How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It

Whether the rose bush is dormant or not, there are two methods for transplanting it. Please continue reading to find out how to move a rose bush and keep it alive and healthy.

Transplanting Dormant Rose Bushes

  1. Rose bushes are susceptible to shock, so once they are in the state of dormancy in early spring or late winter, they are easier to move. If you’re moving them in the spring, wait until the last frost or the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. It’s also important for the soil to be warm and loose.
  2. Transplanting the rose shrub while it is still dormant reduces the plant’s stress and shock, increasing its chances of survival. Cut the rose canes down to ten to twelve inches in length and remove any remaining leaves.
  3. You should then dig a fresh hole. You must ensure that water drains properly. You can dig a hole and fill it with water if you’re unsure. In an hour, it should be completely drained. If it doesn’t, the drainage for your rose bush is inadequate.
  4. Make sure you choose a spot with enough sunlight and water. Rose bushes thrive in well-drained soil that has been supplemented with organic matter. Before you transfer the bush, you might want to fertilize the soil.
  5. To avoid damaging the roots, digging up the rose bush should be done away from the root ball. It would be best if you attempted to relocate as much of the root system as possible. If your rose bush is huge, you may want to drag it over to the new place using a tarp.
  6. The rose bush’s soil should be prepared. Potting soil, mulch, and peat moss can all be combined equally. Half of this mixture should be applied to the rose bush’s roots. This will safeguard it and give it time to settle in.
  7. Fill the hole halfway with water and place the rose bush in it. Do not fill the hole with soil just yet. Allow the water to settle before adjusting the rose shrub to the desired height.
  8. After you’ve adjusted it, fill the hole with the remaining mixture of potting soil and water the rose bush again. Make sure you don’t use insecticides or fertilizer on the rose shrub until new growth appears.
How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It 2
Rose Bush via Flickr

Transplanting Non-Dormant Rose Bushes

  1. Do so during the growing season if you wish to transplant your rose bush while it is still growing and not in the dormancy stage. Although they are tough to move at this stage, they can be moved with the correct amount of water.
  2. Begin by prepping your rose bush for transplantation. To prepare your rose bush for transplanting, you can purchase a liquid B1 transplanting fertilizer.
  3. The next step is to fully hydrate the rose bushes so that each cell has access to as much water as possible. Because rose bushes require a lot of water to survive, this will reduce the pressure on the roots. The rose bush should be watered thoroughly.
  4. Your rose bush can be pruned to reduce its size. Clean out any dead stuff from the plant first. It would be best if you also got rid of any dried-out sections. You can also cut the tall canes. Some experts advise trimming the rose canes to fit the root ball’s size.
  5. You can now start digging your new hole. Through this hole, there should be adequate drainage. You can find out by digging a hole and filling it with water. This is a nice site if the water is absorbed within an hour. If it doesn’t drain, you’ll have to look for another spot. Remember that damp roots are not good for roses. They require a lot of water but with proper drainage to survive.
  6. Now is the time to dig out the rose bush. To avoid damaging the roots, you should dig away from them. You’ll also want to dig up as much of the rose bush’s root system as feasible. If your rose bush is particularly huge, you can wrap it in a tarp and bring it to its new home.
  7. Make a potting soil, mulch, and peat moss mixture in equal parts. Half of the mixture can be used to wrap around the roots. This will assist them in assimilating the new hole.
  8. You can now plant the rose bush in the new hole but only half-fill it with soil. You must water the rose shrub and leave it alone for a while. You can adjust the position after the rose shrub has settled and filled the hole with the remaining soil mixture.
  9. You should water the transplanted rose bush each day for 1-2 weeks and avoid using insecticides or fertilizer until the bush has sprouted new growth.

>> Related Post: 12 of the Best Flowering Plants as Rose Bush Alternatives


Final Remarks

Rose plants are delicate, and moving them is difficult. However, if you take the proper precautions, you can move them without frightening them and killing them. You must select whether or not to move them during their dormancy. They are easier to move when they are dormant, although you can move them in any situation.

Rose bushes require a lot of sunlight and water, so be sure you have both in your new location. They also need good drainage because the roots don’t enjoy sitting in water.

Before transferring your rose shrub, make sure the drainage is in good shape. It’s also a great idea to prune and chop back your rose shrub before moving it.

After you’ve relocated your rose shrub, make sure to water it each day. You shouldn’t use fertilizer or insecticides until the plant has sprouted new growth. You’ll be able to transfer your rose shrub if you take the necessary precautions.

Now that you know How To Move A Rose Bush without Killing It, you can confidently move your plant. Good luck!