Moving a rose
I have a rose at the end of pergola post, it has not been brilliant (probably my clay soil) but last year did get plenty of flowers, I am going to have to move it to add another stitch of panel and another post . When should I move it , do I move into a pot and leave there until later, move only when work will commence (what if I disturb growth) , just move it over a little so not to be in the way of panel (or OH just standing on it) . Reading conflicting views on web /books so confused now.
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Are you talking about getting it out of the way for the job bunny or finding it another home?
In the sticks near Peterborough
You can move a rose at anytime at this time of the year provided the ground isn't frozen. Presumably the rose is a climber or rambler. After planting I'd prune the rose down to 12" or so from ground level. Dig a decent size hole and obtain a few bucketloads of decent soil from elsewhere. Mulch with well rotted horse muck.
If you can do the final move I would do it now, then only one disturbance. I'm sure it would be ok with a seat in front, most of the growth would be higher than a seat unless it's a very small rose. If you can't do a final move I'd plant it somewhere that it can stay til the next plant moving season. But that's just me. if you move something late in the season you're forever watering it to get it established - I'd forget.
In the sticks near Peterborough
I have never dared to cut back a climbing rose as hard as 12" from the ground. I'd like to, though, because it gives better contro of the growing shape. Does this mean you can disregard the usual advice about cutting above the lowest bud?
No, always aim to prune above a low bud but if there are no obvious buds, look for leaf 'scars'. If it scares you, no bother, just prune as low as you dare this year then next year prune lower and lower. By this time the rose will have generated substantial new growth.
Thanks. So there need not be a growing bud - just a scar where the plant could possibly make a new bud?