Rose guru Ludwig Taschner gives advice

Anne Smith of Sedgefield writes: My large ‘Fairest Cape’ Panarosa rose is not doing well where it is planted, with grass growing into the bed and taking all the water. Can I move it?

Ludwig replies: Yes, May and June are good months to move such a large rose because it has entered its dormant period, and there will be less stress on the roots. Prepare the new position first, preferably the day before, and water well so that the soil is moist. Trim the rose back by at least one third. It still needs a fair number of leaves to process food and water from the roots.

Bear in mind that such a large shrub-rose has an extensive root system. Dig a large circle around the rose, corresponding with its root zone. Push the spade in deeply all around the rose to cut the roots. You may need one or two more people to help with cutting the roots and levering the plant out of the soil. Try to cut the roots rather than pulling them out. Once the rose is out, cut off any broken roots and replant it immediately in its new position, at the same level as it was in the ground previously.