@kate.james58 I can't say really as I've not used it before but I shall feed a few roses with it this Spring and see how they go. I intend to keep it more for the 2nd feed I like to give in July. It's not a formulation I like, no, but I notice it's used in all their potted roses now.
If I remember correctly, they are suggesting only single feed with their new formulation.. perhaps a slow release.. Previously it was twice a year.. and that is how they are promoting it as being environmental friendly..
I have a question for you experts. My local paper carries a column by Diarmuid Gavin, in which he stated that you can prune shrub roses back to 4 inches from the ground (accompanied by a photo of a somewhat weedy looking rose). The majority of my roses are David Austin Including a Gabriel Oak that has always been a spindly specimen . Would it respond to such drastic treatment do you think ?
@AnniD You can cut back any rose to 4 inches and it will respond, but I would ask what's the point if you're growing it as a shrub rose? it's important to allow it time to develop as a shrub and I have found with 'Gabriel Oak' that it's a slow burner in the ground, and remains spindly for some time.. quicker when grown in a pot. It seems to need a couple of winters before it sends up basal growth, but it will. Austin's are shrub roses, so cutting them back to 4'' wouldn't be for me at any time. They are sometimes very disappointing for the first year or two, considering what they cost.
Hybrid Teas, yes..
@Dasha Lovely foliage on that rose, I've seen it in a pot..
Thanks @Marlorena. When l read it, it didn't seem right to me. I'd already pruned my roses (Had a quick look at the videos on the DA site), including Gabriel, and thought it seemed excessive . Thanks again
My Buff Beauties are so blooming slow to do anything. I have had so little growth from one season, barely a twig. What are other people's experince's with BB, please?
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I can't say really as I've not used it before but I shall feed a few roses with it this Spring and see how they go. I intend to keep it more for the 2nd feed I like to give in July. It's not a formulation I like, no, but I notice it's used in all their potted roses now.
..such lovely foliage on our Spring roses..
Clematis 'The Vagabond' one of my favourites..
The majority of my roses are David Austin Including a Gabriel Oak that has always been a spindly specimen .
Would it respond to such drastic treatment do you think ?
You can cut back any rose to 4 inches and it will respond, but I would ask what's the point if you're growing it as a shrub rose? it's important to allow it time to develop as a shrub and I have found with 'Gabriel Oak' that it's a slow burner in the ground, and remains spindly for some time.. quicker when grown in a pot. It seems to need a couple of winters before it sends up basal growth, but it will.
Austin's are shrub roses, so cutting them back to 4'' wouldn't be for me at any time.
They are sometimes very disappointing for the first year or two, considering what they cost.
Hybrid Teas, yes..
@Dasha
Lovely foliage on that rose, I've seen it in a pot..
Thanks again