Transplanting 60-Year-Old Rose Bushes: Spring Protocol

Transplanting 60-Year-Old Rose Bushes: Spring Protocol

In SW Michigan, move 60-year-old roses in spring for best survival.

Steps

1. Prepare new holes with handful of bonemeal.
2. Cut bushes to 18 inches; remove thick old canes.
3. Dig maximum top roots (deep ones are anchors).
4. Plant immediately; water well.
5. Mulch heavily for cool, damp roots.
6. No fertilizer until new growth appears.
7. Water all spring/summer; may take a year to recover.
8. Mulch well for first winter.