How To Temporarily Transplant a Rose

Relocating a mature rose bush can seem like a daunting task, but it’s sometimes necessary to protect the plant during construction or landscaping projects. With proper care and technique, you can successfully move your rose to a temporary location and keep it alive. This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook demonstrates the process of temporarily transplanting a mature climbing rose, providing valuable insights for homeowners facing similar challenges.

*Unless otherwise noted, costs in this article reflect an average of prices that our team found from hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot, and on Amazon.com.

Understanding the Challenges of Transplanting Roses

Roses can be particularly challenging to transplant due to their coarse root system. Unlike plants with fibrous roots that form a compact root ball, roses tend to lose soil from their roots when you dig them out. So, you must take some extra precautions when you move a mature rose bush.

Best Time to Transplant Roses

The ideal time to transplant roses is during their dormant period, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. However, if circumstances require moving the plant during the growing season, it’s still possible with proper care and attention. Transplanting during a cooler part of the day or providing shade after transplanting can help reduce stress on the plant.

Preparing the Rose for Transplanting

Before you dig up your rose bush, you need to prepare both the plant and the new temporary location.

Preparing the Temporary Container

Have your container ready to go before you dig up your rose bush:

1. Choose a large plastic pot (at least 24–inches in diameter)—a tree pot works well—to accommodate the rose’s root system. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
2. Attach two 30-inch-long wooden stakes to the inside of the pot using 1 1/4-inch drywall screws. These stakes will provide additional stability to the trellis.
3. Create a soil mixture using topsoil, compost, sand, and rose fertilizer. The balanced mix will supply the necessary nutrients for the rose during the fall, winter, and early spring.
4. Add 6–8 inches of the soil mixture to the bottom of the pot. This base layer will cushion the roots and help with water retention.

Pruning and Tying the Rose

Proper preparation can combat transplant shock and improve the rose’s chances of thriving in its temporary home:

1. Prepare a wooden trellis and a tree pot to support the rose bush in its temporary location.
2. Use jute twine to tie the canes of the rose bush to a wooden trellis for support. Make sure you tie the canes gently to avoid damaging them.
3. Trim the rose bush to a manageable height (6–8 feet tall) using pruning shears. This height reduces water loss and makes the bush easier to handle.
4. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to reduce stress on the plant. Clean cuts will help the plant heal faster and improve overall health.

Digging and Removing the Rose

Properly excavating the rose bush is necessary for its survival during the transplanting process.

Digging Technique

The goal is to minimize root damage and keep the root ball as intact as possible:

1. Mark a 24-inch-diameter circle around the rose bush to define the area for digging and prevent you from cutting too close to the main roots.
2. Use transplanting spades to dig straight down along the marked circle, severing the outer roots.
3. Angle the spades inward and use leverage to pry the root ball from the ground. Angling inward helps undercut the root ball and makes it easier to lift.

Lifting the Rose

With a helper, carefully lift the rose bush and any attached trellis from the hole. Lift evenly to avoid breaking roots or branches. Avoid shaking or disturbing the root ball more than necessary. Keeping the root ball intact reduces transplant shock and helps the plant settle faster in its new location.

Potting the Rose for Temporary Relocation

Once the rose is out of the ground, place it in its temporary container. Carefully lower the rose and trellis into the prepared pot. Keep it upright and centered in the pot. Then, adjust the plant’s position to keep it centered and upright. Fill the pot with the remaining soil mixture, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets—air pockets can dry out roots and hinder growth.

Next, screw the trellis to the wooden stakes inside the pot for added stability. This prevents movement that could damage roots. Double-check that the rose is firmly supported to prevent movement during transportation. A stable plant is less likely to suffer from transplant shock.

Caring for the Temporarily Transplanted Rose

Proper care is essential for the rose’s survival in its temporary location. A well-cared-for plant will acclimate better and be healthier when it returns to its original spot.

Watering and Fertilizing

Water the newly potted rose thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain to help establish the plant in its new container. Mix a diluted organic liquid fertilizer with water and apply it around the base of the plant. Fertilizer provides essential nutrients to support new growth. Continue to water the rose regularly, especially during dry periods, to support healthy root development.

Winter Protection

Insulate the base of the rose bush with 18 to 24 inches of bark mulch to help protect the roots from freezing temperatures. Spray the rose leaves with an antidesiccant to prevent moisture loss. Antidesiccants form a protective barrier, reducing water loss from the leaves.

Before severe winter weather arrives, wrap the entire rose bush in burlap for protection against cold, wind, and snow. Wrapping offers protection against harsh winter conditions and keeps the plant in a state of dormancy.

Replanting the Rose in Its Original Location

Once you complete your construction or landscaping project, it’s time to return the rose to its original spot. Careful replanting lets the plant settle back into its permanent home and continue to thrive.

Timing the Return

Wait until spring to replant the rose in its original location. This allows the plant to establish new roots in the temporary pot and emerge from winter dormancy.

Replanting Process

Replanting in spring takes advantage of the growing season when the plant can quickly establish itself:

1. Prepare the original planting site by amending the soil with compost and rose fertilizer. Amended soil provides a nutrient-rich environment for the rose.
2. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the potted rose. A larger hole allows the roots to spread out easily.
3. Carefully remove the rose from the temporary pot, keeping the root ball intact. Handle the root ball gently to prevent root damage.
4. Place the rose in the prepared hole, keeping it at the same depth as before. Planting at the same depth prevents stress and helps the plant adjust.
5. Backfill with soil, water thoroughly, and mulch around the base of the plant to help it retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

Our Conclusion

Temporarily transplanting a mature rose bush requires careful planning and execution, but it’s a great option for protecting your prized plant during construction or landscaping projects. By following these steps and providing proper care, you can successfully relocate your rose and keep it thriving until you’re ready to put it back in its original spot.