Question
What is the best time and procedure to move a thriving, planted this spring, climbing Blaze?
I'm preparing for our local Garden Walk next June in Central Indiana...Julia

Answer
Most roses get into a snit when disturbed so expect the rose to sulk for a while after moving it. The best time to move a rose to make sure it will survive is in the late fall or early spring when all the leaves are off and the bush is dormant. Have the new hole ready, water the rose well the day before, then cut it back by a third so the damaged feeder roots can supply nutrients. Dig out as much as you can of the top roots, don't be concerned if you can't get the long tap roots and snip any ragged ends off. Place a thick six inch mulch all around the base as roses love cool roots and also the new feeder roots then won't dry out. Because transplanting will have damaged the feeder roots you will now have to water, water, water as they won't be strong enough to supply any nutrients for at least a month. Even if the canes sag and the new leaves droop, just keep watering as the rose bush may not perk up for a couple of months. Don't give it any fertilizer until half way through the summer as you want new roots to grow not top growth that the frail roots can't support yet. It may also not make any new growth until next year. But having said that, Blaze is a good sturdy rose and should bounce back for you.