skip to main content

Can I move a climbing rose?

aseedisapromise

11 years ago

I recently bought this house that has a zillion roses, and although I am not new to gardening, I am pretty new to roses. Maybe it is the way they are pruned (or the lack of pruning)but I have avoided roses because I didn't like the way the plants themselves looked in the landscape, even though the flowers are gorgeous. Anyway, there are these two climbers (I think) that are growing against a lattice fence in a tight space, and I like their fragrance and color well enough, but I think they would be more attractive if they had more room to spread out. There are two climbing roses and a honeysuckle vine all growing in a space that is about 8 ft by 2 ft. I was thinking of moving the two roses, but I wonder if they would survive it very well. I have new beds made all along a tall board fence, and maybe they could have a better life there. If they are movable, when would be the best time to do it? Thanks much.

{{gwi:270511}}

Featured Answer

karl_bapst_rosenut

11 years ago

If moved in fall in your zone, I suspect they'd not survive winter. Best time would be early spring as soon as you can work the soil and before they leaf out. Survival would be best if cut back to 18 to 24 inches prior to the move.Recovery would be quicker with less foliage for the damaged roots to support. Retain as much soil on the roots as possible and water well and often until new growth appears.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

jerijen
11 years ago
In California you certainly can.
We've done it, and there's at least one rose we do mean to move. In my climate, we can do it pretty much any time, tho we will have to cut the rose back radically to do it.

In SD -- your success might depend upon your timing. Perhaps talk to a local nursery about that.

Jeri
harmonyp
11 years ago
Although our climates are so different, presuming the most critical factor of keeping them hydrated would be the same. And if you do decide to move them, do expect some wilting / dropping, and some loss for at least a month after the move. Roses are very hardy. I couldn't bare to prune off all the blooms on the ones I've moved, although I'll bet they'd have recovered faster if I had. I'll be interested in what the correct percentage of pruning is prior to or after a move as I've also pruned very little and still have been successful.
Related Discussions
can I cut back a climbing rose in June
Q
Comments (4)
Yes, in fact after the first flush is the traditional time for pruning climbers. I would start by identifying the oldest basal canes. Cut them off at grade and then into sections to pull them out of the mess. Then save as much as you can of the younger long canes.
...See More
Moving A Rose During The Growing Season
Q
Comments (23)
Excellent video. I appreciated the stress on watering, watering, and watering. Two shovels is so much neater than my bear hug method! After watching the video I realized it's a miracle my transplanted roses have survived. Because they were frying in the sun, I recently decided to press ahead with the transplant of three full-size rose bushes. The temperature was hovering around 99F. Not the smartest move, but the roses pulled through with minimal damage. They are better off in their new locations.
...See More
moving an older climbing rose
Q
Comments (1)
Pretty much as you've described. Ideally, you want as much of a root ball as possible, but that's not always possible. You'd also benefit from balancing the top growth and root ball as closely as possible. It's also possible to literally bare root the plant, if that is doable where you are at this time of the year. You'd want all the foliage taken off to reduce the water transpiration and keep the plant from drying out. Right now, creating food isn't as important as keeping the plant properly hydrated. You may cover the top growth with a mound of loose soil/mulch which will prevent it from being dried out by wind or direct sun. You may cover it with sheeting or old tee shirts which you keep wet with the hose or any other method of keeping it shaded from any hot sun and kept moist against any drying winds. If it's raining fairly regularly where you are, the rain will do much of that for you. I'd get the new planting hole prepared as much as possible so you can lift the plant from where it is and get it under soil ASAP. Treat it as you would a newly planted bare root and you should succeed easily. Good luck! Kim
...See More
Can I plant Hollyhocks with my shrub and climbing roses ?
Q
Comments (2)
Are you concerned about rust? The rust that affects hollyhocks is specific to that plant - it is not the same fungal pathogen that results in rose rusts. So no, planting hollyhocks will not "kill" your roses although I would be cautious about overcrowding as that can contribute to disease issues with both types of plants. IME, hollyhocks are best planted at the back of the border or bed so that their height does not obstruct anything and the plants in the foreground can disguise the rusty lower foliage that is pretty much a given with these plants.
...See More
aseedisapromise
Original Author
11 years ago
I was thinking I might wait until fall. That way I can enjoy the blooms, and find out more what the plant's blooming time is. I will ask a friend who has had some roses when she lived in Des Moines, which is a little bit more like here than where you are. I just like to get a broad cross section of ideas before I make a move. Thanks for your responses!
jacqueline9CA
11 years ago
I agree EXACTLY with what karl said. Especially the part about pruning them down to 18-24 inches - when transplanted roses have to support a great deal of top growth, they die. They need to just sit there for a while, and re-establish their root system. That is who you need to water them a lot at first too - their roots have been damaged.

Digging them up as soon as you can dig in the Spring is a good idea for your climate, too -

Jackie
aseedisapromise
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay, then they are sort of like bare root trees here, then. Spring and not fall. It will be really hard to retain any soil on the roots, as the soil here is very silty and things I try to transplant seem to bare root themselves. But I'll see what I can do. I intended to cut them back, as I get the connection between the top and the bottom of the plant. Thanks!
karl_bapst_rosenut
11 years ago
If done while still dormant, you can treat like a bare root. In my case, I plop the plant in a bucket of water containing a root starter for a day or so then plant like a new bare root.
aseedisapromise
Original Author
11 years ago
Okay. Sounds like a plan! Thanks.

Related Stories

KIDS’ SPACES Single Design Moves That Can Transform a Child’s Room

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Your children are unique and special. Why not give them a room to match?

PLANTING IDEAS Great Garden Combo: Rose + Clematis for Small-Space Impact

We all need somebody to lean on. And when a rose supports a climbing vine, the results can totally transform a small garden

GREAT HOME PROJECTS Get a Grip on Climbing Walls

By Annie Thornton

This fantasy home feature can be surprisingly within reach. Here's what it takes to get some climbing heaven at home

REMODELING GUIDES Ask an Architect: How Can I Carve Out a New Room Without Adding On?

When it comes to creating extra room, a mezzanine or loft level can be your best friend

LIFE The Polite House: How Can I Kindly Get Party Guests to Use Coasters?

Here’s how to handle the age-old entertaining conundrum to protect your furniture — and friendships

GARDENING GUIDES Roses: Crowning Touch of Gardens

Whether you're the Miss or Mister America of gardening or take a hands-off approach, roses can be a winning addition to your landscape

KNOW YOUR HOUSE Stair Design and Construction for a Safe Climb

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Learn how math and craft come together for stairs that do their job beautifully

REMODELING GUIDES Should You Remodel or Just Move?

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

If you're waffling whether 'tis better to work with what you've got or start fresh somewhere else, this architect's insight can help

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Sally Holmes Rose

By Annie Thornton

This simple yet versatile climbing rose grows vigorously all year; plant now for abundant spring and summer blooms

SPRING GARDENING How to Grow a Rose Garden in Pots

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Everything can come up roses, even without a plot of soil in sight. This step-by-step guide to growing roses in containers shows you how

Sponsored

More Discussions

ROSES.. UK/Europe - Part 2..

33

Like taking candy from a baby

12

Vavoom if you like orange

17

Rose Mulch HELP

3

Rose name changes - Exhibition name vs. registration name

0