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Dry root/stem of rose- persevere or replant?

travelhodgytravelhodgy Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hi friends, in my garden there is a neglected rise plant that was in clay soil. It has dried quite badly at the root and further up before becoming more healthy. 
I have initially excavated around roots and placed fertiliser and compost and then regular watering.

can any advise if this is the best approach to the root to heal or should I look at replanting and starting with better soil in first place.

appreciate any advice- from novice gardener 😀



Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    In the winter I would remove that old woody cane at the base, then feed with Fish, Blood & Bone or similar slow acting organic fertiliser, and mulch well with well rotted manure. 

    That should stimulate the appearance of new canes from the base of the plant which can then be trained in a fan shape to encourage flowering shoots the following year. 

    See the section here on renovating an old  climbing rose  https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?pid=189 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • NollieNollie Posts: 7,529
    Dove’s advice for renovating your rose is spot on, it seems drastic to cut down to the ground the older cane, but it works, be brave!

    I’m afraid I would not have excavated around the roots, thus disturbing the fine feeder roots nearer the surface, or fertilised it when stressed through lack of water. Instead I would have just gave it lots of really deep waterings and mulched around the stems with some compost. But, roses are tough plants, so not fatal, just continue to give it at least two large watering cans a week, poured slowly around the roots.
    Mountainous Northern Catalunya, Spain. Hot summers, cold winters.
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