Question
Dear Janet,

    I would like to know when the best time is to transplant a 10 year old David Austin Heritage Rose bush and should I prune it before I transplant it (it's very tall)? In general, when is the best time to prune roses? I keep reading to do it after the threat of frost but before new growth appears. I live outside Phila. and when the threat of frost is gone there's already new growth!

Thank you so much!  Eileen

Answer
Hi Eileen.......depending on the temperatures there...that should be your transplanting guideline. Not in extreme heat, but pleasantly mild temps.  And yes, i would prune it, but it is acceptable to wait till early spring.  Don't worry about the new growth, but try to do it before the buds appear , as not to interupt your spring flush of blooms.  Heritage is such a delicately beautiful rose, being an Austin it should do just fine.  Good luck.
God bless,  j. williamson
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