How to Transplant English Roses

English roses, often called David Austin roses after their creator, are a cross between old-world roses, hybrid tea roses and floribundas. The exquisite result resembles a peony, with heavily petaled blossoms and a strong, heady fragrance. English roses are cared for like any other rose. Like other roses, they sometimes require transplanting, especially if planted too close together, in a shady spot or in damp soil. It is best to transplant roses during the early spring, while they are still dormant. Wait until the danger of frost has passed and the days have started to warm up before transplanting your rosebush.

Water
Shovel
Bone meal
Organic mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Water the rosebush thoroughly for three days prior to transplanting. This will make it easier to dig up the root ball.
- 2
  Prepare the new planting site. Dig a hole at least 15 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Sprinkle in a cup of bone meal, and make a small mound of soil in the middle of the planting hole.
- 3
  Dig a circle 18 inches wide around your rosebush. Carefully dig down around the root ball, loosening the shrub with your shovel. Do not yank or pull at the bush; this will tear the roots. Tilt the shovel inwards and dig until you can slide the shovel under the root ball and easily lift the rose. Support the root ball with one hand while lifting the bush to avoid damage.
- 4
  Set the rose on the mound of soil in the new planting hole, and gently spread the roots over the mound. Position your rosebush so the base of the canes, called the bud union, is at ground level if you are in a mild winter area, 4 inches below ground level if you live where winters are severe.
- 5
  Fill the hole about halfway with a mix of the old soil from the hole and organic mulch. Water thoroughly and allow time to drain. Fill the hole the rest of the way with soil mixed with organic mulch and press the soil down firmly. Water again.
- 6
  Water the rose bush frequently over the next month, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.

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