Thank you @coccinella, that was really helpful. They mentioned phytophthora of the roots and I think it could have been that. Last year was dry but 2021 was very wet and not very sunny. The box hedge got blight. Last year I sprayed it every couple of weeks with an anti fungus and it looks as though it has recovered. The rose is next to the hedge. Although phytophthora isn't actually a fungus it is similar and likes the same conditions. I've had a look back at a couple of photos of the rose and there is some dieback and the leaves aren't as green. I'm not here all year, this is OH's house in Norfolk. I live in Dordogne, France, where all my family are. We met in later life and OH lives in the UK. He was in France quite a lot though, Brexit has rather messed with that.
This photo is end of May 2022. I don't think the rose looks so good and it could have done with more pruning.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
Might be a good idea to substitute the soil even if you don't plant another rose. I have a rambler Lady of the Lake imported from Burncoose nurseries (when it was still possible, groan!) and it has taken over a cherry tree. It would be very upsetting to lose it.
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This photo is end of May 2022. I don't think the rose looks so good and it could have done with more pruning.
Might be a good idea to substitute the soil even if you don't plant another rose. I have a rambler Lady of the Lake imported from Burncoose nurseries (when it was still possible, groan!) and it has taken over a cherry tree. It would be very upsetting to lose it.
Luxembourg