Ideally in our zones we'd transplant roses before they're fully leafed out, which in my yard was several weeks ago. Next best would be now, while they're still setting in their spring growth. Some of the problems in when you transplant can be the shock of the transition, not specifically the time of year. You want to first dig the hole of where you want it to go, water in that new hole, then water well the existing rose before you start digging. If you have a lot of branches on the rose, I'd trim those back so the rose doesn't have to maintain them all as it gets resettled.

Dig around the edges of the drip line of the rose (the places where the branches end) since that's a good estimate of where the roots end. Keep putting in shovel marks around the edges of the roots then pry that up maintaining as much soil around the root ball as you can. If it's a big rose, you can wrap it in a cloth or plastic bag to maintain the soil and moisture as you move it, otherwise put it in a pot with room to spare. Bring it promptly to the new hole, plant and tamp in the soil to get rid of air pockets. Water well again and you can add a little shade in the new spot like putting a lawn chair over the rose until it starts leafing out again. Don't fertilize till it is fully leafed out again.

In the very dry weather we've been having lately I'd wait till after the good rain we're supposed to have Saturday, and preferably transplant on a day in the 60's rather than 80's if possible. The reason we don't optimally transplant roses in zone 5 in the fall or winter is that we want it to get its roots reestablished well before the cold weather sets in. Having said all this, you can transplant a rose at any time of year if you keep the soil ball intact, water and shade it well and have a bit of luck. Expect the rose to sulk in its new location for several weeks, possibly dropping all its leaves and even needing more canes trimmed off that die back. In my experience, that's typical and not a sign that you did anything wrong.

Cynthia

Hi Iowablooms,

Cynthia’s answer covered it all. I still fear moving my roses. But I do it as mentioned above and as far as I can remember have never lost one. Don’t forget to shade it while it recovers. It is a small but helpful step.

I always move my plants before they break dormancy.

I moved my roses April. As soon as I could work the ground, basically.

Steven

Thank you so much for the detailed information Cynthia. Lots to consider but sounds do-able.

Pattie thanks for relating good results transplanting. I had been considering just creating a new garden bed but the deer really can devastate a whole rose shrub so I should move the ones I have.

Steven--I do think pre-dormancy sounds good!

I think I will plan on moving them early next spring--aiming for April. I am looking forward to their flowers this year sooo much so I do not mind waiting. Right now I have them all cordoned off with cattle panels and fencing so they do not look the best from a distance, but up close I can enjoy them. Plus I need to clear out the area for them to go into...which of course involves a lot of other transplanting but they are mostly easy perennials.