| I have a Mrs. Banks rose tree, one year old, which grew considerably and produced beautiful blooms in Feb/Mar, but is being crowded by climbing plants. I would like to move the rose to allow the branches to trail. When is the best time to move it. We are in a SE location - hot summer/mild winter weather conditions. |
| Norma, Now is very stressful and risky and the farther we get into summer the greater the risk. Late fall is a much less risky time to move the rosebush to another location. However if you must move it now here's how to do it so the plant has the best chance of recovering. Dig it quickly early one morning before the baking sun begins to bear down on the plant. Immediately prior to digging remove about 50% of the topgrowth to minimize water loss. Pot it up in a container large enough to hold the root system and water it very well to settle the soil. Move it right away into a protected area under a tree where the light is bright but direct sun doesn't fry it. Keep the soil moist and wait until you see signs of new growth. Then gradually move it out into full sun in a couple of stages over a week or so. Then give it another couple of weeks in the sun before planting it in the new location. Make sure and firm soil around the root ball and water it in well as you fill the planting hole with soil to remove air pockets. About a month after planting begin fertilizing lightly every 2-4 weeks. Keep the soil moist but not soggy the rest of the summer. Thanks for the question. Please stop in again soon! |
