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moving a rose - how early is too early (zone 6)?

5 years ago

So, I have a very large specimen of Plaisanterie that I need to move. In my experience, if I move big roses when they are dormant, I can get away with not cutting them back, really at all. Here it is, March 11, and I'm itching to move it. But is this too early? We could still get significantly cold weather, certainly we'll still get days in the 20s, and low teens are not out of the question. Would that be too much of a shock? In the past, I have always waited for the forsythia to bloom (which is when I usually start pruning) but this year, because I have SO much catching up to do, having lost most of last season to my broken arm, I'm trying to get an early start on everything (and in fact have started pruning). Plus, this week I have some free time and the weather is decent. My guess is the forsythia won't get started for another 2 weeks. Should I just be patient, or could I get away with this now? Thanks in advance for any advice!

Featured Answer

Moses, Pittsburgh, W. PA., zone 5/6, USA

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Frances,

Too early is when the ground is still solidly frozen. You'll break your back and shovel both then. The second time, is when It is too early in the AM, as before sunrise, when the street lights are still on. In the dark you will need someone to hold your lantern or flashlight, and any early rising or shift working neighbors who might see you, could call the cops.

All kidding aside, this is the ideal time to move roses, when they are dormant. Get your new location hole dug first. Then dig your rose, getting as much soil ball as you can. Do it carefully, and your rose in its new home will wake up like nothing happened, not skipping a beat. Treat it like any freshly planted rose bush. Backfill with light, fluffy soil and water in generously. You cannot fail.

Moses

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Comments (8)

User
5 years ago
I am one of the reckless gardeners, and I have moved roses in January and February. I do cut them back though.
rifis (zone 6b-7a NJ)
5 years ago
Too late is more concerning than “too early”.
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Sheila z8a Rogue Valley OR
5 years ago
Go for it. I would not even cut it back. You can always trim later.
User
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks so much! I'm gonna do it! I also have some roses that need to be dug up and potted up (I made the typical mistake of planting own-roots out when they were still too small, and they get swamped, when will I ever learn to be patient enough with them?!) but I'll wait on those til it gets a little warmer, so the pots are not exposed to cold. But Plaisanterie is going to its new home today or tomorrow!
Vaporvac Z6-OhioRiverValley
5 years ago
I'm doing whatever I can this month. I never trim those I've done at this time. If I get sufficient rootball, it doesn't matter. It I don't, it just takes a little longer to get established. I add some alfalfa hay to help with root establishment.
seil zone 6b MI
5 years ago
As long as you can dig the soil (it's not frozen solid or a soggy muddy mess) I'd say go for it.
lkayetwvz5
5 years ago
I'm planning on starting potting up and moving things right after the rain ends tomorrow night. I'm officially zone 6 but virtually zone 5a. Most of my roses have leaf buds coming out already and Asiatic lilies daylilies are up.

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