Replanting Roses
- 1). Water the rose plant for a week to ensure it will not dry out during the replanting process. Add water daily under the drip line of the plant until the soil is moist. The drip line is the area directly under the outermost branches.
- 2). Dig a trench around the rose plant at least 18 inches from the base of the plant to remove its entire root system. The trench should be 6 inches in depth. Cut any roots growing outside of 18 inches, using a sharp spade. Lift the rose plant from underneath with a shovel.
- 3). Dig a hole 2 feet wide and deep in the new planting location. Create a small pyramid at the bottom of the hole. Place the rose plant on top of the pyramid, making sure the bud union is 2 to 3 inches above the soil line. Add or subtract dirt from the pyramid to allow for the rose plant to be placed at the proper depth.
- 4). Spread the roots on top of the pyramid, adding soil to the hole up to 4 inches from the top. Pour water on the hole to help settle the soil. Add the rest of the soil and water. Mix a root stimulator according to the label's directions and pour in the hole to help the roots establish.
- 5). Spread a 3-inch layer of mulch, making sure it just barely covers the bud union. Create a small berm 12 inches from the base and 2 inches high and wide around the rose to help it retain water.
- 6). Keep the soil moist for the next three weeks. Over a three-week period, gently remove some of the mulch from the bud union at each watering until the bud union is exposed. The rose plant will need 4 to 5 gallons of water every three to four days.
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