By Herbert
United Kingdom 
I have a rose bush that has a lovely scent. I would like to take it with me when I move on the 24TH June this year.
Question is it ok to do this if so what is the best way to do it.
15 Jun, 2011
Answers
I agree with Louise but I would also trim it back a good bit before lifting it
15 Jun, 2011
Legally, it's NOT OK. If you're selling your house all the plants in the garden are included in the sale unless they have been specifically excluded from the sale and the buyer was told of this when they viewed. Otherwise they are expecting to buy the house and the garden as it was when they viewed it. If you are going to try to move this plant, the very least you should do is to talk to the estate agent and see what they say.
If they agree, taking a good rootball will leave a big hole. Make sure that you fill it in again. Nothing worse than moving in and finding a hole in the garden where a lovely plant was.
15 Jun, 2011
Agree with Beattie, but of course, this isn't an issue if you're renting where you are currently. As for moving the rose, frankly, if its been in situ for longer than 5 years, I suggest you leave it where it is and buy another in your new home. The roots will go down to Australia and you'll never get them all out.
15 Jun, 2011
It WOULD be an issue if renting - if you didn't plant the rose. The landlord is entitled to get the garden and the house back in the condition it was let in, allowing for fair wear and tear.
I also think it would be better to get a new rose for the new garden.
15 Jun, 2011
Ah yes, I hadn't thought of that, Beattie, assumed Herbert planted the rose.
15 Jun, 2011
And take some cuttings too in case it does not survive.
15 Jun, 2011
God, nothing's simple any more, is it :-/
15 Jun, 2011
This is not a new law Louise. I became aware of it when we bought a house over 25 years ago where the sellers showed us around, detailing which plants they were taking with them. We bought the house anyway and I replanted in the gaps.
15 Jun, 2011
Ha ha Louise, made me laugh - nothing ever was simple really, we just didn't know it wasn't. You know what they say, ignorance is bliss...
16 Jun, 2011
Ahhh, too true Bamboo :-/
16 Jun, 2011
Dig it out with the rootball as complete as possible because digging into it will only hinder its chances at the other end.
Replant it with plenty of composted manure and it should be as good as new, if you've kept a good rootball pruning it back might not be needed so much.
15 Jun, 2011