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Rose Disease? Please help!

Jason-LawJason-Law Posts: 6
in Problem solving
Hi,

Novice gardener here. I have inherited this rose from my grandfather who has passed away so it is very special to me but I have no idea how to look after it. I have recently re-potted the rose in rose compost with a handful of rose and shrub granular feed near the roots. I have sprayed the leaves with rose clear ultra 3in1 spray as they started looking rusty and they now look a lot better. However the stems look very diseased too. I did not spray them?

The picture of the rose with the flowers was when I first got the rose a few years ago, it looks a lot healthier than it does now. I’ve had the rose for a couple years but doesn’t seem to grow much. I haven’t pruned it at all until now - I just removed the dead stems (I know it’s best to do it in Feb/March but I forgot)

What is the best course of action? Thanks in advance for any help.
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Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    The poor thing...give it lots of sunshine and wait for some new growth to come through. All those sprays are largely unnecessary but can imagine the panic of seeing a favourite plant looking unwell! Most roses will be pushing new growth about now...leave the secateurs alone in the meantime.

    Where the roots looking healthy when you repotted it?
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Jason-LawJason-Law Posts: 6
    Hi,

    Firstly, thanks for the reply. There wasn’t masses amount of roots although it’s only a small plant but would say they looked relatively heathy although not very thick, more spindly. It hasn’t really gained any height at all over the years, but I guess that is my fault due to no pruning?
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    Hi, welcome to the forum!
    It sounds like you did well. The spots on the stem won't disappear once they are there. The same for the spots on the leaves - once they are there, it's better to remove the leaves. When you get enough of new healthy canes, you can remove the old ones.
    At this point, I would just let it grow. You need new growth and new canes, otherwise the rose won't have the energy to go on.
    Don't feel bad about the disease, some roses are more susceptible than others. The fungicide works best if used regularly and as a preventative measure rather than a solution to already existing problems. I would recommend one which isn't 3in1 (without the insecticide) for less environmental impact but whatever you use, it is your personal choice.
    By any chance, is your rose very fragrant?
  • Jason-LawJason-Law Posts: 6
    Unfortunately it doesn’t really grow any new stems/canes or does much at all. In the past I have only used an all purpose feed for my garden. Is it possible this hasn’t contained the right ingredients to help it grow? Is it best to just keep topping up the rose and shrub granular food every 10/12 weeks? Sorry for all the questions, I appreciate the help.
  • Jason-LawJason-Law Posts: 6
    Should I have also sprayed the stems with the 3in1? I only sprayed the leaves.
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    The best NPK ratio for potted plants is 3-1-2 (as a ratio, it can be for example 9-3-6 or 24-8-16). Something close to this (doesn't need to be exact, but if you want exactly this ratio, then get Miracle Gro All Purpose Soluble Plant Food) and liquid or soluble is ideal because it gives you more control and immediate effect. You can use it full strength every two weeks or half-strength every week but I would start slowly to be sure you won't overdo it.
    When watering, don't wet the leaves, try to keep them as dry as possible (water on the leaves promotes blackspot). Give it the best position you can, sunny but sheltered. Don't worry about pruning... your rose really doesn't need that.
    That's all you can do. Sometimes, plants don't cooperate with us. I wish you luck.
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    Beautiful flower.......
  • BijdezeeBijdezee Posts: 1,484
    edited May 2020
    Maybe time to take some cuttings which if successful would be more vigorous. Well rotted manure does wonders for roses too. 
  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Agree with @Bijdezee once you get a few new canes...take a cutting to start a new plant, but that would take a few months to root and be a whole new plant. But really useful as an insurance that you can keep the plant going. 
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • Jason-LawJason-Law Posts: 6
    Thanks for the advice. When is the latest I can take a cutting? Would mid-late June be okay? I’ve read online you need to take a cutting of about 6 inches. Does it need to be a certain thickness? Read somewhere online about the thickness of a pencil? Not sure this plant will get to that size! Sorry if this all sounds dumb, just very new to gardening.
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