Rose Rescue

Hi guys,

At a property that my BiL has just acquired there are 3 roses, one of which I want to rescue for my garden. It is planned that the whole area will just be cleared, so before that happens I need to step in.

Trouble is I don't have a clue as how to rescue the rose, and would like you guys to advise.

My thinking is to cut the Rose right back to some healthy buds, dig up a good size root ball and replant back at my garden keeping it well watered and give a good feed...... discuss

The Rose in question




It looks very unloved, but I think the property had been stood empty for a couple of years. Unfortunately, the only other plant that has survived 'clearance' is an Aquileiga, which I will also rescue.

 

We're heading towards the close of the rose flowering season now Steve so I think the following is probably best.

Cut the stems back by half taking out anything that looks dead or diseased and dig up as much of the root ball as possible, as you said. When you re-plant it don't put any feed/manure into the ground, but give it a one off boost with a liquid feed, either tomato feed or something like Miracle-Gro this will give it's roots a boost to establish. When it's dormant in late winter prune as normal and then feed when it starts producing new shoots in the spring. Roses generally shouldn't be fed after late July but I have just given mine a last feed with Miracle-Gro as I have sandy soil.