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Moving a conifer, but will I kill my rose in the process?

JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
in Problem solving
Hi I have a fairly Large wooden planter which has a red climbing rose and a citrus conifer in it. The conifer has decided to outgrow the planter and it’s roots have managed to push the planter sides apart…. So it has to go. My assumption is that at least some of the roses roots will be disturbed or broken when I pull out the conifer. Do you think it is a lost cause to hope to save the rose?  I have included a picture so you get an idea of the problem.

thanks for your ideas.
Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    If you want the rose more than the conifer, you might as well just go for it. I'd think the rose would probably survive a few damaged roots anyway. 
    Conifers don't have massive, deep roots, so probably getting it loosened up will also loosen up the rose, and you can probably separate them more easily if you can do that.

    If you want to keep both, that might be trickier.  ;)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • OmoriOmori Posts: 1,674
    edited February 2022
    I would cut back the rose, remove both conifer and rose, and you can then separate the roots out of the container, then replant the rose. This will lessen the amount of damaged roots, and any damaged roots can be pruned off. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    It really depends how intermingled the two plants' root systems are @Jacquimcmahon. If you can get the conifer out without too much difficulty fine but I suspect you are going to be met with some resistance.  If that is the case, I would detach the rose from the trellis, prune it to a height and shape that you feel comfortable with (I'd say reduce by at least half), then try to lift everything out of the container.

    Once the combined root systems are out, try to split the plants carefully with a combination of a spade, loppers and secateurs, plus a pruning saw if it gets really tough!  Both plants are quite robust so as long as you can retain a good proportion of roots they should both survive when repotted, using fresh compost (soil based) and finish with a good watering. I hope you are going to save the conifer too - it looks really healthy!

    Don't rush it, take your time, many such tasks need decisions to be made as you go along and see how the land lies!  I hope this helps.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • JacquimcmahonJacquimcmahon Posts: 1,039
    Thanks, the initial idea is to move the conifer to a tall planter if I can (will then match 3others in same pots) . For the rose last year was the first time it really thrived, so I was simply going to tidy it up and center it in the planter. 

    Hubby has so far managed to move the planters forward and is now power washing the mess….. I may have to wait a few days before getting the next stage done.
    Marne la vallée, basically just outside Paris 🇫🇷, but definitely Scottish at heart.
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