When to Transplant a Climbing Rose Bush?

Climbing Rose Basics

• Climbing roses are generally a genetically mutated variety of regular rose bushes. These roses usually require some sort of vertical support, such as a fence, wall or trellis to keep their long, flexible branches from breaking. Climbing roses are available in most colors that bush roses are and have a range of bloom types and seasonal bloom schedules.

  Like bush roses, climbing roses have an extensive but relatively shallow root system. The roots extend horizontally a few inches beyond the "drip zone" (where water drips off the leaves after watering or during rain) and a little over a foot deep.

Transplanting a Climbing Rose

• Roses, both bush form and climbing form, should be transplanted in late winter or early spring, just when the rose is starting to come out of its winter dormancy. Depending on where you live, this will most likely be in March or April.

  Before you begin the transplant, water the rose bush thoroughly every day for a week. Roses need to be transplanted quickly, so it is best to prepare the hole into which the rose will be moved first. The hole should be about 15 to 18 inches deep and about 18 inches wide so that the root ball will fit into it.

  Transplanting a climbing rose offers a special challenge. Climbers are often wrapped around and through a supporting fence or trellis or have attached themselves to a rough wall. They must be very carefully detached from their supports to avoid damaging the bush. Once detached, the branches (canes) should be gently tied together with with a soft rope or twine.

  After detaching a climbing rose from its supports, dig around the base of the bush a few inches past the drip line. Trim any roots that extend beyond this line with sharp clippers. Then, dig downward about 15 inches and move at an angle toward the trunk of the bush. When you have reached the area below the main root ball, you should be able to push downward on your shovel handle and have the whole bush lift upward.

  Once the root ball has cleared the ground, shake the main trunk of the bush gently to remove excess dirt. Make a small mound in of loose dirt the new hole, and set the root ball on it, spreading the roots apart slightly. Add more dirt until the bush is able to sit upright again with little or no extra support. Water thoroughly, and add rose fertilizer if desired.

  After the roots have been replanted, untie the branches and arrange them on a new support such as a fence or trellis, tying each branch to the support without bending or stretching the branch too far.