QuestionWe live in the Seattle Washington area. Moving into a home that has been in the family for 60 years. The rose in question was transplanted here in 1952 from my wife's grandparents home where it was belived to be at least 50 years old at the time. It is now on city property, and needs to be moved. When can we do this and what is necessary for it's continued good health. We would like to move it about 10 feet to have it in the rose area. I will be planting other roses in the same area giving each proper space.
We need to move this soonest, as there is talk of putting curbing and such in this area.
Thanks for you feed back.
Craig and Kathy Cory
AnswerI would carefully prune it back by 1/3 of its present size, and save the healthy wood you prune to root cuttings from it, to preserve the rose--done this way would make it the "clone", if you will, of the rose. Prepare a new hole with new soil that is roughly 1/3 each clay, coarse sand, and organic matter--compost or mulch. Water the rose well the two days before you want to transplant it. Mark a circle about 18-24 inches from the center "trunk" of the rose, and dig down about that far, also. Don't worry if there are some roots longer than that--it won't hurt to clip them loose. Have a large piece of burlap or cardboard to set the rose root ball on to make it easier to move, so you can slide it to the new spot. If you wish, put a couple of cups of bone meal or rock phosphate into the bottom of the hole, but no other fertilizer. Gently lower the bush into the hole, water well, back fill, and pack gently. Water daily or every other day for a few weeks to lessen the shock. You may also use a transplanting solution a few times on it if you wish.
The best article on rooting cuttings can be found at the American Rose Society site, www.ars.org. You will find lots of other information there also, as well as on the rose forums at GardenWeb.com. If I can be of further help, let me know, and let me know how your project turns out!
Margarett in Memphis
