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Moving a climbing rose

Last post 25-06-2012 9:37 PM by AlexS. 3 replies.

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  • 23/06/2012 07:04 PM
    • Anne
    • Hampshire
    • 02 May 2012
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    I'm having some work done in the garden which means my lovely climbing rose, Mme Albert Carriere needs to move. It's been established for 10+ years and is flowering well at present.

    Can anyone advise if it is possible to move it  successfully, and how, or do I just have to cut my losses and buy another?

    Thanks
  • 23/06/2012 07:35 PM
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    • 07 Nov 2006
    • 2,376
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    Hello Ann and welcome to the forum.

    Firstly.  Have you got the name correct?  Do you mean.  Mme. Alfred Carriere.  Usually moving roses is best carried out close to or during the dormant period.  Nevertheless with lots of TLC I see no reason not to attempt a move.

    10yrs establishment.  Probably a strong tap root has developed by now, so possible damage will be caused to it, but a trim up won't do it any harm.  As little as possible disturbance to the root ball will be called for.  I would imagin that there is plenty of top growth.  For ease of handling, I'd suggest reducing much of it.  Concerning the spread.  Tying it in a bit will make it easier to handle.  Dig a suitable hole where you are to replant.  Keep the hole soaked for as long as possible.  Dig the rose out quickly trim damaged roots and replant it without delay.  Give it a good watering.  Obviously, pick a cool   day to execute the move. Some support my be useful.  When it looks settled, cut the string etc.  In the event of the rose appearing to have failed, keep an eye on it for signs of life next season.  Then if need be, think about a replacement.  Mike.
  • 25/06/2012 06:22 PM
    In reply to
    • Snoopysue
    • Denmark
    • 19 Jun 2012
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    Let us know how you get on.

    We have a rose (not sure if it's a rambler, or climber - needs tieing in though). In the next few years it'll have to be moved as it's growing up an outhouse that will be demolished. We don't know how old it is, other than it's probably at least 20 years old.

    Until two years ago it was about 3m by 3m, but a hard winter meant all the top growth died back. We were very happy to discover new shoots when we removed all the dead branches. It's now got one stem that's about 1.5m tall and loads of shorter ones (although we did loose some branches last year too).

    I'm sceptical as to whether it'll survive as I suspect it has as big a root system as the branches and stems were above ground.
  • 25/06/2012 09:37 PM
    In reply to
    • AlexS
    • Reading
    • 06 Sep 2009
    • 501
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    If you must move the rose because the place where it is planted is to be used for something else, you are almost certain to lose it unless you can delay the move until winter. If it is causing a problem because of its size, perhaps you could cut it down and leave it where it is for now? If you cut it down to a single stump, it would most likely survive, leaving you the possibility of moving it in winter, when it is dormant. Even well-established roses can be successfully moved when they are not in active growth, which usually means December/January. If you moved it now it's unlikely to survive, even with all the tlc that Mike describes. One great thing: you know what variety your rose is, so if necessary you will be able to replace it with another the same.

    Alex