Moving Hybrid Tea Roses in Summer: Minimizing Transplant Shock

Fletta, a first-time homeowner/gardener in NJ, needed to move two hybrid tea roses threatened by neighbor's weeds. Jay advised:

Best Timing

• Ideal: Winter dormancy (after hard freeze, before spring growth).
• If urgent now: Expect significant stress; recovery will take weeks.

If Moving Now (Summer)

1. Water deeply the day before.
2. Dig wide, deep root balls—preserve as much soil as possible.
3. Replant immediately at same depth.
4. Water daily for weeks; provide temporary shade.
5. Do not fertilize until new growth appears.

Weed Management Alternative

If possible, suppress weeds with cardboard/mulch until cooler weather allows safer transplanting.

Jay shared the same visual guide: Transplanting Roses Step-by-Step.