Transplanting Roses

In Middle Tennessee the ideal time to transplant roses is during the period of dormancy. This is usually from late November through February, whenever the ground is not frozen. Transplanting roses at this time will allow you move the entire rose without cutting it back, unless you need to cut it back to make the move more manageable.

It is possible to move a rose during the summer, but it must be cut back to about 12". When digging up a rose, it is almost impossible to avoid cutting the feeder roots. The rose will have to work hard to reestablish those feeder roots, and it will not also be able to support the growth above the ground.

When replanting the rose, follow instructions for planting roses on the Growing Roses page. Have your new location prepared so the roots do not dry out, water the rose well for several weeks, and keep it well mulched until it is established in the new location.

Fall transplanting will initiate dormancy of the plant and, if timing is right, can thereby actually enhance the plant's viability through the coming winter.

DO NOT leave newly transplanted bushes uncovered.