Moved a rose

[wiltingfast]

Ok, bought a scrambler last year by mistake. Did fine last year but if course with new growth this year it was falling all over the place. So I've moved it.

I did at want to lose a growing season in that spot to a rose that wasn't staying or thriving there.

Of course it's not happy post move.

Am wondering would I do best to literally cut it back to almost its base and see if it recovers next year? Or will that kill it?

Thoughts? many thanks!

[Kr1stina]

How big is it ? Can you cut it back by half and keep it well watered ?

I'm afraid they don't like being moved in the summer, because they have very few roots . But your probably have worked that out by now

[wiltingfast]

Well I knew that really, just didnt want to waste a growing season. Sure we will see how it goes.

[Footle]

Is there a time when an established rose doesn't mind being moved ? I planted one in the wrong place seven years ago and would like to move it.

[IAmcuriousyellow]

I moved a rose a few weeks ago, having cut it down to six inch stumps. Thought I'd lost it, but s good shovelful of muck has brought it back and it now has new growth on - I think it might even flower again this summer. They're a hungry plant generally and respond to a feed quickly. How about trying that? I believe you're not meant to bury the graft either, otherwise they'll send up suckers of the original rose, but I could be wrong there. Anyway, I'd feed it handsomely, keep it watered, and give it time to recover.

[Footle]

Thanks, I will try that, though not just yet as it's flowering.

[Kr1stina]

Better to move them when dormant in the winter

But not always possible of course

[wiltingfast]

oooh yes I think you are right about the graft. I was looking at it yesterday evening and felt uneasy but I think that was why, the label is underground which means it's too deep. Thanks Iamcurious

A good feed too would probably help. I've just watered it really so far. I just have soluble food, or do I need to source "muck" , I'm in a v urban area... soil v clay'y too alas...

Tks all.

[Footle]

Thanks Kr1styna, I'll have a google around anyway.

[IAmcuriousyellow]

I'm sure liquid feed would be just as good as muck if that's what you've got handy - roses seem pretty tough, but do love s feed. If you've got nettles handy, they make a handsome feed chopped up and left to get squelchy in a bucket of water covered for a week. Smells awful though so if your Rose is near the house, go with the proprietary liquid.

[PurpleWithRed]

You ARE meant to bury the graft. Older books may say not to but newer thinking is that you definitely do bury it.

I'd just see how it does for now, and if/when it starts to sulk cut it right back to the ground and let it start again. If you have rubbish soil invest in some 'soil conditioner' bulky compost stuff as it will like it, but roses are pretty happy on clay.