When is a good time to dig up outdoor plants like peonies and roses?

when the sun is out and the ground is not freezing

When is a good time to dig up outdoor plants like peonies and roses?
When to Dig up Outside Plants





* I'm not sure about the peonies. I've never heard of anybody digging them up. The roses should be cut back and then you buy covers for them from most hardware stores or garden centers. Also you can dig a trench down along the roots and then out away from the plant. Then bend the plant down and bury it. Make sure you dig deep enough beside roots so you don't break them. Then cover with dirt and mulch. I've done this and it works. When it warms up in spring just uncover and stand back up and pack dirt back around the roots.





* Its always best to dig them up in the spring of the year before they start growing, I have done it a million times. You can divide the peonies into 2, and that way you will have more plants.
Reply:do you mean dig them up in order to divide and replant? or just to move the whole plant to a new location? i personally wouldnt dig up or divide a peony,ever. they can stay in one spot undisturbed and bloom prolifically for 100 years or more. as for roses, if you live in a cold winter area, dig them up and replant in early spring. if you live in a mild winter area, do it in early to mid fall.
Reply:If you are in Australia wait until Winter or Spring.





Otherwise if you are in America can do it now or in the spring. Get as big a root ball as two people can handle. Place it on a tarp so as not to lose any more soil than possible.


Try to keep as many of the smaller roots as possible.


You'll need to dig really deep. Cut back the top to about 18 inches. The bush will go into shock due to root loss.


If the bush is 5 feet by 4 feet it will have a root system just as large. Mostly tiny almost invisible feeder roots that will fall away with any soil you lose. Until these grow back it will not be able to support any excessive top growth. When replanting, don't fertilize but do water well and often with deep soaking watering. You can add some root tone, root starter, or fish emulsion to the roots.


Don't keep it out of the ground any longer than necessary.


Good Luck.


Personally, I'd wait until late winter before it comes out of dormancy as soon as you can work the soil.


I think it would have a better chance of survival with less stress. Just my opinion
Reply:I never dig up Roses. Cut them back to about 18", apply mulch (lavaes) around the base and watch them grow in the spring.
Reply:Do you mean for overwintering? Late fall is the ideal time. This depends on where you live but is usually early November. Note this is not necessary if you live in a mild zone.
Reply:If you are wanting to move them and they are well-established, do it in Spring, prune the roots a couple weeks in advance by shoving a shovel into the ground around the plant in a circle the size of the desired root-ball, then lift the plant and move it. If you mean in the autumn for overwintering, don't bother. leave the peonies be, and wrap the canes of the roses in burlap or similar, using straw as insulation, and keep them out of the wind in some way (lay them over, partially bury them, whatever).
Reply:I SUPPOSE IN MONSOON!!
Reply:I'm not sure about the peonies. I've never heard of anybody digging them up. The roses should be cut back and then you buy covers for them from most hardware stores or garden centers. Also you can dig a trench down along the roots and then out away from the plant. Then bend the plant down and bury it. Make sure you dig deep enough beside roots so you don't break them. Then cover with dirt and mulch. I've done this and it works. When it warms up in spring just uncover and stand back up and pack dirt back around the roots.


·Its always best to dig them up in the spring of the year before they start growing, I have done it a million times. You can divide the peonies into 2, and that way you will have more plants.