A listener this week asked me how to move his late Mum's rose bush from her house, now it has sold, into his garden. 

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Autumn is an ideal time to move a rose bush and take cuttings for propagation. The cooler temperatures and increased rainfall reduce transplant shock, giving your roses the best chance to establish themselves before winter. Here���s how to successfully relocate your rose bush and propagate new plants from cuttings.

Roses enter a period of dormancy in autumn, making it the perfect season for transplanting. The roots have time to settle in the cooler soil without the stress of summer heat. Moving a rose bush now ensures healthy regrowth in spring.

Choose the Right Spot ��� Pick a location that gets at least six hours of sunlight daily and has well-draining soil.

Prepare the New Hole ��� Dig a hole that is at least twice the width of the root ball and deep enough to comfortably accommodate the roots.

Prune the Rose Bush ��� Cut back about one-third of the bush to reduce stress and make handling easier.

Dig Up the Rose ��� Carefully dig around the root system, aiming to keep as many roots intact as possible.

Replant Immediately ��� Place the rose in the new hole, ensuring the graft union (the swollen area where the rose was grafted) sits just above soil level.

Water Thoroughly ��� Give the newly transplanted bush a deep watering and mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

If you want to grow more roses from the bush you���re moving, taking cuttings is an easy and rewarding method. Here���s how:

Select Healthy Stems ��� Choose semi-hardwood stems (not too green or too woody) about 15���20cm long.

Trim and Prepare ��� Remove the lower leaves and cut just below a leaf node (where the leaf joins the stem).

Dip in Rooting Hormone ��� This step isn���t essential but helps speed up root development.

Plant the Cuttings ��� Push the cut end into a pot filled with a mix of sand and potting soil or directly into a well-drained garden bed.

Maintain Moisture ��� Keep the soil slightly damp but not waterlogged.

Cover for Humidity ��� If possible, cover the cuttings with a plastic bag or clear container to create a greenhouse effect.

Wait for Roots ��� In a few months, new growth should indicate successful rooting. Once established, they can be transplanted to their permanent positions.

Avoid Fertilizing Immediately ��� Give the rose time to settle before adding fertilizer in late winter or early spring.

Monitor for Pests & Diseases ��� Transplanted roses can be vulnerable, so keep an eye out for aphids or fungal infections.

Be Patient ��� Roses take time to recover from transplanting, but with care, they will flourish in their new home


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