How do I dig up and replant a rose bush?

My father has rose bushes that are at least 50 years old. They are really special to are family. He has givin me one and I would like to know how I should go about digging it up and replanting it in my garden without demaging it. Is this possible? Thanks for you advice.

50 years old is amazing and Kudos to you Dad for that.

You'll have to expect some shock, but there is another issue I'd want to consider. The GIFT bush/plant and its proximety to any others, IE: A row of these bushes as a fencing border kind of thing. If the plant to be extracted stands alone then the issue would be diminished in likely damage to adjacent bushes.

Certainly in a season when the plant is in dormancy would be best, but just before the time when it may want to add new growth and bloom. Pruning properly will help lessen recovery issues.

The BALL should not strictly be dry nor should the roots be allowed to dry. and at a proper time, less root growth will be happening, but in an established bush, especially that age, you should probably expect some damage/shock/ even a full season recovery time.

Steven Wolf
Just my two "sense"

Rose bushes are incredibly resiliant number 1. Just dig a wide area around the base and try to keep as much of the roots intact. Dig Deep below the plant to help makes sure you aren't cutting off a lot of the roots. If short move just move as is, if commuting somewhere, place rose bush with dirt and roots into a large container or wrap in burlap and wet down.

The're fairly hardy things, i mow my roses down at the end of season, and they grow back. I usually just dig the hole thing out in one big shovel and stick it in a plastic bag, then drop it in some nicely prepared ground at your house. Maybe to help, take plenty of you fathers soil home to throw in the hole to help with shock. Give it heaps of water