Ask JOHN NEGUS
When can we move our potted rose?
Q We have been given a lovely gold-coloured rose to mark our 50th wedding anniversary and would like to transplant it into a larger, terracotta pot rather than directly into the garden. Should we do this now or wait until the spring?
Ken Gilbert, Brynhoffnant, Ceredigion
A We are delighted to hear that you have just celebrated your 50th anniversary. As for the beautiful potted rose you have been given, there is no reason why you should not move it into a more interesting container.
Provided it is large enough – there is a 6in (15cm) gap between the rootball and side of the pot – the rose should thrive.
Start by covering the drainage hole with crocks or gravel and fill with a few inches of Miracle-Gro Moisture Control compost. Sit the rootball on the compost, working more of the same compost around the roots. Make sure that you plant your rose at the same depth at which it was previously growing.
When you’ve finished, the top of the rootball should be 2in/5cm below the rim of the pot, to allow for watering. Ideally, after watering
