Question
Dear Lynnette,  I am needing to transplant a huge rugosa beach rose..and i am wondering, if , during the uprooting of this bush, can i also at the same time split it at the root ball and make two bushes ?  what say you? thanks, cynthia..we live in ct., zones 5-9

Answer
The best time to move any rose is when it is dormant such as late fall or early spring. However Rugosas are tough guys and should do okay now. Yes, you can split the roots ball and make two bushes. You can also yank off a cane with a bit of root attached and it will make a new plant. You can also cut a cane off, plant it, water it well and it will grow for you. Just make sure you water the rose daily after you have divided it. When you dig up any rose you damage the feeder roots because they are tiny and frail and you can't help it. These roots carry the water up the plant and will take about a month to re-grow. Do get someone to take a video of you digging the monster up! It will give you a laugh. LOL  You might even have to resort to using a backhoe! Rugosa roots go down to China. Hope this helps.