Digging up a rose vine?

[Mylied]

I have a rose vine (or whatever it's called) that is in a bad spot. It was planted since before we moved in six years ago. I'd like to cultivate it better and have it grow on a trellis. Is it possible to dig it up and replant it without killing it? It's the only rose plant I've ever dealt with and all I usually do is trim it down in the winter and try to fight the weeds that tangle up in it.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I've moved them. I generally do it while they are dormant. I'm not sure if they go dormant where you are at. Generally I move them in early spring before they start growing again. I trim back the tops to about a foot, so the plant isn't growing too many leaves while trying to get established.

 

[JedJackson]

Yeah, agree with oldhenlikesdogs. Water the plant well a couple of days before attempting the transplant. Try to get a good section of the roots, so don't dig too close to the main stem, and make a nice wide circle around it if you can. Try to go as deep as possible and you may need help heaving the rootball out and onto something you can drag, like an old feed bag or wheel barrow. Also, you can prune them quite hard when transplanting, or just a little as suggested. I doubt you will get much bloom this year but if it survives the move it will recover pretty quickly.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Yeah, agree with oldhenlikesdogs. Water the plant well a couple of days before attempting the transplant. Try to get a good section of the roots, so don't dig too close to the main stem, and make a nice wide circle around it if you can. Try to go as deep as possible and you may need help heaving the rootball out and onto something you can drag, like an old feed bag or wheel barrow. Also, you can prune them quite hard when transplanting, or just a little as suggested. I doubt you will get much bloom this year but if it survives the move it will recover pretty quickly.

 

[Mylied]

I can wait until next year. It only doesn't have leaves and bloom for a very short time in the winter. It's getting leaves now so no big deal waiting. It's been sitting the for a long time anyway. It's right next to a dead pine tree and always gets weeds and blackberry vines tangling up in it. I was doing outside chores, took one look at the mess it is right now, and decided to leave it for another day. I think it'll be easier to make beautiful in a more open space and growing on a trellis. Thanks for the help!

 

[JedJackson]

I can wait until next year. It only doesn't have leaves and bloom for a very short time in the winter. It's getting leaves now so no big deal waiting. It's been sitting the for a long time anyway. It's right next to a dead pine tree and always gets weeds and blackberry vines tangling up in it. I was doing outside chores, took one look at the mess it is right now, and decided to leave it for another day. I think it'll be easier to make beautiful in a more open space and growing on a trellis. Thanks for the help!

You might also want to take cuttings later on in the season. Then you wouldn't have to transplant at all if you didn't want to. It takes a few years for cuttings to mature but if they root you've got free plants to do with as you like.

 

[CayugaJana]

I just trimmed a lot of my dormant roses. I cut the trimmings in about 4-5 inch pieces and shoved the majority of the stem piece in the mud. Most of them will grow roots.

 

[Mylied]

I just trimmed a lot of my dormant roses. I cut the trimmings in about 4-5 inch pieces and shoved the majority of the stem piece in the mud. Most of them will grow roots.

Can you do that with ones that aren't dormant and are growing leaves?

 

[CayugaJana]

Can you do that with ones that aren't dormant and are growing leaves?

Yes you can. Strip all of the leaves but maybe one or two and shove it down in the mud. When it’s really hot and dry, it won’t work. But if the soil stays moist it will. Also if they are in direct sunlight it won’t work as well. Check in about 6 weeks and it should have roots. Or if you see new growth, it has roots.