Pruning and Moving
An Established Climbing Rose

by Christine Davies
(Nottinghamshire, England)

Question: I have a small arch in my garden with two established climbing roses (one either side).

I want to remove the arch and replace it with a wider one but then the roses I have, will then be in the wrong place.

I want to keep the roses and wonder if it is at all possible to prune them, and then move them to another place without losing them.

If it is possible, what time of year is best to do this.

Thank you for any information you may be able to give me.
Kind regards, Christine

Answer: The best time of the year to move and transplant any rose is when the rose is dormant. Around the regular spring pruning time.

However, a couple of months before the move it's important to do root pruning. Especially for an established rose.

Root pruning and how to transplant roses successfully, is described in detail on my transplanting roses page.

When the time comes to transplant the rose, prune the lateral side shoots down to about 2-6 inches. Don't spring prune if this is an once-bloming rose. Only prune right after flowering in summer then.

Gently tie the long canes together with soft rope. This makes it easier to move the climbing roses.

You should have two helpers with this ok.

Dig the new holes several days in advance, and water the rose thoroughly in its new spot.
Wait to feed for at least 3 weeks.
Annelie