I want to know if it is too late in the fall season to dig up my friends roses and replant them in my yard. She is going to throw them away and it is now Nov. 18th.
Hardiness Zone: 9b
By Tina Buchanan from Merced, CA
Well, what have you got to lose? They may or may not die, but probably not. Be sure to water them in. If you feel worried about a chill maybe put up some straw around them or wrap a little cloth around them. Something with a bit of ventilation.
This should be a good time to transplant them & anything else, good luck.
Be sure to cut them back first and don't let the roots dry out. Should be fine, especially at this time of year.
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I need to transplant a few rose bushes along the side of our garage to the other side of our garage. Ultimately, we plan to lay down fabric and then put river rock in the bed.
I am not a green thumb and have no idea how and when to transplant the roses. I have tried to do some reading online, but always like to hear firsthand experience or been-there-done-that tips.
I live in central South Dakota.
Thanks!
By khilde
It is easier to transplant them during their dormant cycle.... However, it can be done. First and foremost, WATER. You will lose a little root mass, so the plant will not be able to take up water as quickly as before. Drown the plant the day before you plan to move it. (overwatering is impossible here), you need it to be swimming, if the plant wilts during transplant it will be doomed. Prepare the new spot at this time and get it ready.
Try to keep as much top and root ball as possible. (If you need/want to reduce the plants size, keep the roots over the tops). Now transplant, then wait and let your plant decide how much of its top it can support now, (less roots, less support). If/when it starts to wilt from the tips, increase watering immediately and prune whatever didnt recover, remove the dead leaves and prune the dried cane tips to leaf bud. You may need to lightly prune after transplanting. You should have the new spot ready by now, you DO NOT want to let the roots be exposed for more than a few mins so place it immediately. Dont let the roots be exposed to the sun at all, cover with a damp burlap sack if necessary.
PREPARATION
Plan the new location
Prepare the new hole/bed
Arrange for some help and a wheelbarrow/transport for transplanting day
Hyper-water the plant day before
TRANSPLANTING DAY
Dig the rose with as big a root ball as you can manage
If the plant is physically too big to move, remove some top growth
Plant the rose in the new bed immediately and water copiously
RECOVERY (til new growth starts)
Continue hyper-watering
Hold off any fertilizing
Remove any withered/dead tips or leaves
Rest of Season
Fertilize lightly
Enjoy your beautiful Roses.... I hope this helps!
