You can just snap the spent flower off. I try not to remove leaves from young plants-- they are needed for growth.

The more rootball you can get the better. The key thing is to reduce the top growth (above ground) by the amount of root system you lose. For example, if you get only half of the root system, prune off 1/2 of the top growth. If you get 3/4 of the root system, prune off 1/4 of the top growth. This way you are not stressing the plant so much. Another thing: try not to do the move during a spell of very hot weather. Extreme heat will further stress the plant. If you have a patio umbrella to shade them for a few days after the move, that would help. Another thing: keep the moved rose well watered, especially for the first few weeks. Now, don't overdo it and drown them, but make sure the soil is moist at all times.

That area does have some shade from a cypress, a dwarf crape myrtle and a tall butterfly bush. At the same time it's near asphalt and concrete. I'm going to make one more attempt there with Rhodologue Jules Gravereaux which is coming in the fall because there is no other place for it (I'm also getting two quarantined tea roses from a French nursery from Vintage and three small roses). I'm going to take heroic measures with Rhodologue to make is prosper there, and if it doesn't work I will take Kim's advice and xeriscape that area. I'll have to try smaller plants than you suggest, Kim, due to the trees I already have there. I have some vitex I'm happy with but at least now they seem to require quite a bit of water. Michael, I'll keep you posted about Earth Song. I hope it does well since I've admired it so in other's gardens. seil, when you're in the mood to dump roses there's usually a good reason. The great thing is that you'll have a chance to put new and better roses in their place. Ingrid

From my experience, both seasons seem to be equally good for transplanting roses. That said, I don't know what zone you're in. I assume that some of our more northern members would be pushing the window to get their roses reestablished before itÂs too cold (a caveat here as IÂve never lived in a zone colder than 7B/8A, so IÂve never had to worry too much about such things). As for the new location helping clear up your blackspot Generally speaking, better drainage is definitely more conducive to good rose health, and thus helps in fighting off diseases. But IÂd say good exposure to morning sunlight is probably more effective at combating blackspot, especially here in the humid south.