A:  Hi Jennifer! The best time to transplant your rose in Zone 8b is during its dormant season, typically early winter (after the first frost but before any heavy freezes) so right now through the end of February is the perfect time for you. (If you're in a colder climate I wrote a few transplanting tips in a previous issue.) Since your rose was bare root planted two years ago, it should be well-established and can handle the move as long as you take care to preserve its root system.

1. Prepare the new location: Ensure the soil is well-draining, rich, and amend with compost if desired.
2. Dormant prune the rose: Cut back the leaving 5-7 evenly spaced canes to about 12–18 inches in height to reduce stress on the plant.
3. Dig the rose out: Dig wide and deep to get as much of the root ball as possible.
4. Replant promptly: Place the rose in its new spot, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.
5. Mulch and monitor: Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect from temperature fluctuations that can happen in the winter.