When I bought my house 3 years ago, it came with 8 rose bushes that I
absolutely love. I have no idea what kind they are though. In any case, I
guess that doesn't matter. What I'd like to find out is some basics about
transplanting them. I'm building some new raised beds and would like to
move the rose bushes to them. I'm going to have to cut them down first
though - they are all about 5-6 feet tall. (except for the 3 climbers) My
first question is how tall should they be when normally pruned? And my
second, is how short should I cut them to move them? Being a novice at
gardening, I don't want to kill them when I move them, so any help would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jill

On Sun, 4 May 2003 20:55:29 -0400, "Jill Claus"
wrote:

When I bought my house 3 years ago, it came with 8 rose bushes that I
absolutely love. I have no idea what kind they are though. In any case, I
guess that doesn't matter. What I'd like to find out is some basics about
transplanting them. I'm building some new raised beds and would like to
move the rose bushes to them. I'm going to have to cut them down first
though - they are all about 5-6 feet tall. (except for the 3 climbers) My
first question is how tall should they be when normally pruned? And my
second, is how short should I cut them to move them? Being a novice at
gardening, I don't want to kill them when I move them, so any help would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jill

If I were you, I'd leave them where they are for this season.

Get to know them. Find out what they are. See their growing habits.
Learn about their quirks. Then, in the fall, when they start to go
dormant, you can trim them back to get them ready for transplanting.
Then, right before the first frost, you can dig them up, trying to
keep as much of the root system as you can. Others can guide you in
this.

Now is not the best time to move them as they are starting their
active growth. Try to have some patience if you can.

Things that will help us help you are telling us where you're located
and what agricultural zone you live in.

As the season progresses, you should take pics of the roses and post
them to a web site (DON'T try to post them here - that's a no-no) -
perhaps some of us can help you identify them. Alternately, get in
touch with the local rose society and they can help you identify *and*
advise in the actual moving process.

PS, make sure that your new beds have as much sun as is possible. No
shade is ideal. If you must have shade, then the best time is the
hottest part of the day (from about 1:30 - 3pm).