What Time of Year Should I Move a Rosebush?

Transplanting Time

• Moving a rose plant to a separate spot in the garden is often required when the plant is not growing properly in the original location or has outgrown its space. New plants also need to be planted at the right time in the garden to ensure a healthy start. In both instances, the best time of the year is fall, when plant growth has slowed, recommends Peter Schneider in "Right Rose, Right Place."

Site

• Make sure that the planting hole is prepared in advanced before the plant is lifted out of its older location or the container. Select a site in an area of full sun and dig a planting hole that is 2 to 3 feet wide and just as deep as the container in which the plant is growing. For moving within the garden, dig to a depth of about 2 feet. Mix the removed soil with organic compost or bagged planter's mix at a 50-50 rate. This improves soil texture and fertility.

Planting

• To lift out an already growing plant, use a spade to sharply cut around the plant about a foot away from the base and dig out the plant gently. Move it immediately to the planting hole. Slit the side of the container in a container-grown plant to remove the rosebush. Do not pull out the plant from the container. Position the plant so that the graft union is level with the ground surface. Fill the hole with soil and firm well.

Summer Planting

• If it is imperative that the rosebush be moved during summer, the plant will require additional care to give it a good start. Dig a larger planting hole for transplanting or moving the rosebush during summer than in fall. Use an umbrella or some other cover to provide shade to the new plant, and place a dripping hose into the root zone. Treating the plant with vitamin B1 solution is also recommended. Avoid using full-strength fertilizers until new growth begins.