| I have to move a huge groundcover rose now. What can I do to ensure it will survive the warm weather transplant? |
| If you must move it now, you can lessen transplant shock by first digging the new hole so it's ready to receive the plant. Then soak the soil around the plant the night before the move. This will make digging easier. If you can dig on a cloudy day or at least dig late in the afternoon or early evening, it will also be easier on your plant. Groundcover roses take well to pruning so you can prune it back to make it easier to handle and then dig it up, severing as few roots as possible. Set it into the new planting hole and water it in well. If hot weather is forecast, set up a temporary source of shade for the new transplant to protect it from hot afternoon sunshine. I've erected temporary shelters by pounding a few stakes into the ground and attaching weed barrier to the stakes, which lets some sun in but blocks a majority of the sun. Leave the temporary protection up for 10-14 days. At that time the roots should be settled in and the plant should be able to tolerate the sun. Be sure to water it deeply once or twice a week, depending upon weather. Best wishes with the move! |
