Anyone ever transplant climbing roses?

[XemaSab]

What's the strategy?

Can you whack 'em like regular roses?

When's the best time to do it? (I live in Cali, and while the ground doesn't freeze, it does get really cold and wet here, and the soils are clayey).

Good times. :)

[bettyellen]

1. you mean cut them back?

should be no problem. make sure they are well watered before, and prune well a week before.
dig as deep as you can and avoid ripping the roots as best as you can.
get them back in the earth ASAP, and keep out of sun for a few days. (you can sheild them w/paper loosely wrapped) keep them watered. tepid tea is also good. do not fertilize.
fall is great for transplanting, much better than spring.

[Zephyrbird]

2. Good one! I'll add one more thing.

When you replant the ball that is the dirt and roots, dig a hole twice as wide as the ball, and about six inches deeper than where the root collar meets the ground. Then mix 1/3 cow manure, to 1/3 good soil, to 1/3 peat and put six inches of mix underneath the root ball, set the rose in so the root collar is even with the surrounding garden, and add the rest of your mix in around the sides of the ball.

Tamp down slightly but firmly (roots need to breathe!), and water well.

Roses need good solid consistent watering for two weeks after they are transplanted. Don't drown them, water as you would the lawn--slow soaking is great.

I love roses! :*

Zeph

[XemaSab]

4. It's a BEAUTIFUL red rose...

it's just planted in an odd spot.

The person who lived here before had a truly odd aesthetic sensibility. :P

[XemaSab]

3. Excellent.

Thanks for the info.