No, transplant it while it is still asleep, as soon as the ground is
workable. I'd prune it a bit, but that's up to you. Do not put fertilizer
in the hole, maybe just a bit of bone meal. As for soil, it depends on what
you have. If you have good soil, just fill it in. If you have clay, use
some peat, or topsoil. Dig the hole at least 24 inches wide and deep, more
if you can do it. Dig up the plant with a 12 to 18 inch ball and back fill
the hole until the union is at ground level or a 2 to 3 inches below if it
gets cold where you live. Fill in until you are almost level, step the
ground down, and give it a big drink. After the water soaks in, fill in the
rest of the hole. Water every day or so for the first month. Don't
fertilize until after the first bloom.

Good luck

Jeff, Southeast Michigan, Zone 5
"Noddy" wrote in message
news:RJAkl.11257$PH1.9192@edtnps82...
I have a very special (3 ft) rose that needs transplanting this Spring, as
it is now too much in the shade. I don't want to prune it. Should I wait
until the buds start greening on the plant before digging it up, or
before?
Then what is the best soil to place in the hole for the transplant - I'm
thinking the usual peat moss and organic matter. Do I then fertilize it
right away or not?. Any other tips? .... Noddy