Question to the rosarians... (need help!)

[Kavanaru]

ok, since 3 months ago Iam the proud owner of a new garden... It has not been styled yet according to my test and needs, and therefore there are still some plants left by the previous owners...

About 12 Rose bushes are among these plants... Large fragrant old cultivar roses.. I would says, the dream of any rosarian Unfortunately, not my dream as I really do not like roses (sorry! )... However, I don't want to just cut themoff and kill the plants... A friend of mine has also bought a house with a largen garden, and she would like to have the rose bushes from my garden...

My question, when would be the best time to move the plants? Would it be possible to take the plant off the ground, protect the root balls with (WHAT?) and store them in a cool/cold basement until spring tobe plantes in the new home? What kind of care should be taken during winter in this case? and When would be then the right time for planting them again?

I know, mena questions... but really, I have no clue about roses...

 

[Shiva]

If your friend can wait and if you can wait, I would recommend leaving them in the ground until spring. That way, you wouldn't have to bother with protecting the root balls and finding a place to store the plants for winter. Also, spring in France comes early anyway, really not like here. In fact, winter in France is like spring here.

 

[hardy]

There are a couple great videos about moving roses: in dormant season and in growing season.

 

[Kavanaru]

Thanks! good tips and good videos

Actually, my friend can help... well, she must wait she can move into the new house in January... it was more on my side, as I wanted to use the help of some friends coming over next week, to start cleaning up the garden, and probably start preparing it for next spring... I think I will think about it, and decide later on, whether moving the plants with rootball into the cold basement or just waiting until Spring...

 

[gonewild]

How large and old are the plants?

You should be fine digging them now.
Bareroot them. Wash off all soil from the roots.
Trim off all broken roots.
Cut the tops back quite severe. But try to leave some short finger sized cane stubs.
Go at them as if they were bonsai and give them a thined shape.
Put the roots in moist sawdust or mulch... not wet, not dry.
Keep cold and dark but have air movement to prevent mold and decay.
Should be fine until late winter or early spring.

 

[Kavanaru]

How large and old are the plants?

You should be fine digging them now.
Bareroot them. Wash off all soil from the roots.
Trim off all broken roots.
Cut the tops back quite severe. But try to leave some short finger sized cane stubs.
Go at them as if they were bonsai and give them a thined shape.
Put the roots in moist sawdust or mulch... not wet, not dry.
Keep cold and dark but have air movement to prevent mold and decay.
Should be fine until late winter or early spring.

Thanks! I will keep that in mind the plants have been in the garden since at least 5 years!

 

[Mrs. Paph]

I went to the Rose Genomics meeting in France a few years ago, but since the climate in Paris and the surrounding area and transplanting wasn't what I studied, I'd go with the advice you've already gotten! I hope you're able to pass them on and wouldn't hesitate too much if you really want to move them now. I wasn't there very long and don't know where you're at, but the 2 weeks of weather I saw in Dec were fairly mild and wet, and I saw roses still blooming here and there in Paris. A temporary holiday ice rink set up in a city square was quite soupy looking due to daytime temps well above freezing!