Replanting Rose Plant During Vegetation Period

Grafted or not, roses are tough plants and can tolerate plenty of things. When replanting rose plants, it is highly recommended to do it while the rose is dormant. However, if required, they can be replanted even during the vegetation period.

For replanting to be successful, it is very important to keep the stress level of the plant to a minimum.

Updated: November 29, 2024.

Somewhere in this crowded soil patch, there are two roses that have plenty of room to grow early in the spring and during late autumn, but the rest of the time, the competition for light, water, and nutrients over time has grown IMHO too much for proper growth and flowering.

Very carefully dig around the rose plant, trying to do as little damage as possible to the rose's roots and to the roots of surrounding plants - easier said than done, of course. One of the largest stresses during replanting is the loss of part of the root system. So, if possible, dig as large a root ball as possible. Weed - feel free to remove weed right away or later - remove it with the roots so that it doesn't grow later again. Also, trim down old and broken branches.

Root ball with the roots - when digging out the plant, try to cause as little damage as possible to the roots and the plant as a whole. Again, this is very easy to say, and much harder to do when the soil patch is so crowded.

Dig out the new hole for the rose plant. Be sure that the hole is slightly wider than the root ball and that the replanted rose is at the same soil height as before. A new position is a garden bed already containing several roses, grape vines, and even a cherry. The rest of the flowers and strawberries were gradually moved to other locations.

Place the rose with the root ball in the hole and check the height - the rose should be at the same height as in the previous position. Also, leave enough room around the root ball for the roots to be out of the 'old' soil.

In a suitable bucket, mix good potting soil, some compost/humus, NPK fertilizer for roses, preferably with gradual release of nutrients, and some iron/microelements fertilizer. Such a mix will help the plant settle in a new position and quickly grow new leaves, buds, and flowers.

Spread soil/fertilizer mix around the root ball and press everything first with your hands and then with your feet, constantly adding new soil. When preparing the mix, be sure to use ingredients/compounds for roses to achieve the desired level of nutrients and soil pH. Note: Rose is planted next to the concrete wall, but the wall is very old (to say the least), and the leaching of the calcium/lime is almost nonexistent. If you plan on planting the plants next to the new(ish) concrete wall, don't forget to check the pH periodically - leached calcium/lime can increase the pH and cause growing/health issues to the plants.

Water the plant thoroughly, especially around the edges of the root ball. The best period for replanting roses and other plants during the vegetation period is late in the afternoon, during calm, cloudy weather. Direct sunlight and wind increase water evaporation and increase the replanting stress of the plants.

Using the dripping watering system is perhaps the best way to provide a constant moisture level for newly replanted roses, but it is not always possible to use it.

One of the simplest tricks to keep the soil moist for several days is to fill large plastic bottle with water and simply push it into the soil, around the edge of the root ball. If the weather is really warm, and watering the plant is not an option for few days, simply use several bottles.

 Replanting 'Bare-Root' Rose Plant During Vegetation

Whenever possible, replanting bare-root plants should be avoided or at least done during their dormant periods.

But, if it has to be done, there are several things to do to avoid losing the plant.

Note: that soil patch was so crowded that I simply had no other option but to replant bare-root rose plant.

Digging it out: I dig the rose out using my bare hands. This helped me to dig out as many roots as possible and to cause as little damage as possible to the plants that were left on the soil patch.

Put the plant into the bucket with plenty of water and some fine potting mix, and keep it there for a few hours. Some gardeners in situations like this like to add root growth hormone, but personally, if the rose is relatively small, there is no need to add it.

In the evening, dig out suitable hole and position the plant in the hole, taking into account the soil level. Spread the roots around the hole and add good potting mix with some organic matter (compost, humus) and perhaps just a little bit of fertilizer for roses.

Press everything firmly, adding more soil if needed and then water generously. And keep watering the plant for few days, every day.

Also, if the days are warm, put few plastic bottles filled with water around the plant to keep the moisture high during first few days.

In just few days it will be obvious if replanting was successful or not.

Keep watering replanted plants for week or two, gradually decreasing the amount of water to match the watering of other roses.

And that is all.

For more about the roses, check How to Grow Roses article.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about replanting the roses.

What is the best time of day to replant a rose during the vegetation period?

The best time of day to replant a rose during the vegetation period is early in the morning or late in the afternoon. These times avoid the peak sun hours, which can stress the plant.

Early morning is particularly advantageous as it allows the plant to settle into its new location during the cooler parts of the day, reducing the risk of dehydration and sun damage.

Additionally, this timing gives the rose the entire day to begin acclimating to its new environment before the potentially harsh conditions of the midday sun.

If there are dangers of strong sun, make some temporary shade for your rose and keep it in the shade for the next few days.

What should I consider before choosing a new location for a rose plant?

When choosing a new location for a rose plant, consider the following factors to ensure the plant thrives:

• Sunlight: Roses require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Morning sun is especially beneficial because it helps dry dew on the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
• Soil Quality: The soil should be rich, well-draining, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH. Amend the soil with organic matter like compost to improve its structure and fertility.
• Air Circulation: Good air circulation is crucial to prevent fungal diseases. Avoid cramped spaces or very sheltered spots where air movement is minimal.
• Water Access: While roses need well-draining soil, they also require regular watering. The location should be accessible for easy watering, especially during dry spells.
• Companion Plants: Consider what other plants are nearby. Some plants can be beneficial by repelling pests or improving soil health, while others might compete for nutrients and water.
• Space: Ensure there is enough space for the rose to grow to its full size without being crowded by other plants or structures.
• Protection from Elements: Avoid areas where strong winds could damage the plant or where winter cold could be more severe without some protective warmth from surrounding features.
• Previous Plantings: Avoid replanting a rose in a spot where another rose or susceptible plants were previously grown, as this could increase the risk of disease due to soil-borne pathogens.
• Aesthetic Considerations: Think about how the rose will fit into your garden's design in terms of height, color, and bloom time, ensuring it complements other plants and the overall landscape.

Considering these factors will help you choose a location that supports the health and aesthetic value of your rose plant.

Can I replant a rose bush during flowering?

Replanting a rose bush during its flowering period is generally not recommended. Here’s why:

• Stress on the Plant: Moving a rose while it is blooming can cause significant stress, as the plant is already expending a great deal of energy on flower production. This additional stress from transplanting can lead to dropped blooms and weakened overall vitality.
• Energy Diversion: During flowering, roses focus their energy on bloom development. Replanting during this time can divert energy away from establishing new roots in the new location, which is crucial for the plant's recovery and future growth.
• Risk of Shock: Transplant shock is more likely when a plant is actively flowering. The shock can cause the rose to lose its blooms and possibly delay its recovery, impacting its health and blooming in the following season.

If you must move a rose bush during its flowering season, it’s essential to:

• Ensure the root ball is kept intact and undisturbed as much as possible.
• Water the plant thoroughly before and after transplanting to help reduce transplant shock.
• Provide shade and protection from strong sun for a few days after moving.
• Prune the plant lightly to reduce the energy demand of maintaining blooms, which can help it focus more on root establishment.

However, the best time to replant a rose is early spring or late fall when the plant is dormant, reducing the risks and aiding in a smoother transition to the new location.

What are the signs of transplant shock in roses after replanting?

Transplant shock in roses can manifest through several visible symptoms, indicating stress from the relocation process. Here are the common signs to watch for:

• Wilting: The leaves and stems may droop noticeably, despite adequate watering. This wilting occurs because the disturbed roots may not be able to absorb water efficiently.
• Leaf Scorch and Discoloration: Leaves may turn yellow or brown and appear scorched or dried out. This can happen even if the soil is moist, due to the roots' reduced ability to uptake necessary water and nutrients.
• Leaf Drop: The rose might shed its leaves excessively as a response to the stress of being moved. This is a survival mechanism, reducing the plant's overall energy requirements.
• Stunted Growth: The rose bush may show reduced or halted growth following replanting. It might also fail to produce new shoots or leaves as it normally would during its growth season.
• Flower Drop: If the rose was in bloom at the time of transplanting, it might drop its flowers or buds, as the plant prioritizes survival and root establishment over blooming.
• Root Browning: While this isn't immediately visible without inspecting the roots, brown or blackened roots can indicate that the plant is struggling to establish itself in the new location.

To help a rose recover from transplant shock:

• Ensure it is well-watered, especially in the weeks following the transplant.
• Provide some shade to reduce the stress of direct sunlight initially.
• Avoid fertilizing until the plant shows signs of recovery to prevent burning stressed roots.
• Keep the area around the rose free of weeds and closely monitor for pests and diseases that could take advantage of its weakened state.

Proper care and patience are vital as roses can take several weeks to overcome transplant shock and begin thriving in their new environment.

Is it necessary to prune a rose bush before replanting?

Pruning a rose bush before replanting can be beneficial, though it is not strictly necessary. Here are some points to consider about whether and how to prune a rose bush before transplanting:

• Reduces Stress: Pruning reduces the amount of foliage the root system needs to support, which can be particularly helpful when the roots have been disturbed during transplanting. This helps the plant focus its energy on re-establishing its roots in the new location.
• Balances Root-to-Top Growth: By pruning the top growth, you can help balance the above-ground parts of the plant with the root system, which may have been reduced during the digging and moving process.
• Removes Damaged Parts: It's an opportunity to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems and leaves, which can improve the overall health of the plant and reduce the risk of stress-related diseases.
• Stimulates Growth: Pruning can stimulate new growth once the plant has settled into its new location, encouraging a more vigorous and bushy growth pattern.
• Shape and Size Management: Pruning allows you to manage the shape and size of the rose bush, making it easier to handle and plant in its new spot.

If you decide to prune before replanting:

• Do Light Pruning: Avoid heavy pruning; just cut back enough to reduce stress on the plant and remove unhealthy parts. Typically, cutting back by about one-third can be enough.
• Use Sharp Tools: Make clean cuts with sharp pruning shears to minimize damage and help the plant heal faster.
• Prune Properly: Make cuts just above a bud that faces outward, which helps direct new growth outward and prevents crowding at the center of the bush.

Timing your pruning right before or at the time of replanting during the dormant season (late winter to early spring) is ideal. This approach minimizes stress and sets the stage for robust growth when the active growing season arrives.