QuestionQUESTION: I have 8 potted icebergs that I have had since 2002. To say that over the years they have become 'breathtakingly' beautiful, is an understatement.
But this spring, suddenly, with no 'signs of sickness' AT ALL, just one rose 'suddenly ' withered for no reason? I have had these roses for 7 years and obviously it cannot be the way I water them, as otherwise I would know my mistake with water.
Let me give you the circumstance since I pruned them. I moved 1 year ago from Austin TX to Charlotte NC. They did tremendously considering the move, but suffered for the first time severe winter weather. I did my best , but feared the worst. I pruned much later than usual due to the cold and to my delight they all came back robust, healthy and has already grown huge with buds everywhere. Last week and the week before it rained a lot with other days of just clouded skies and little sun and some gusts of wind.The sun came out nicely one day last week and I noticed that my 1 iceberg is withered- like it had no water. To my alarm I thought the rain must have somehow not watered here properly so I immediately watered her. The next day she looked even more droopy and limp so I gave a tiny bit of water again, beginning to think that it could not be the water? Then I thought maybe the water is not draining and she is sitting in water- I checked the drainage-pushed holes for 'breathing' everywhere, but it is now day 8 and she looks miserable. Wilted leaves and new growth that just hangs limp. A branch on the one side of the main cane died! I am at a loss as to what it can be. There are absolutely no sign of disease on the cane, stems, leaves. I studied my rose books and cannot find an explanation. I would value your expertise advise. Much appreciated.
ANSWER: When a rose that was doing well, then suddenly becomes weak and droops, it is always a problem in the roots. What has happened is the nutrients and water are not getting up the canes. Excess water doesn't kill the anchor roots it is the frail little feeder roots that are suffocated. Another fact is it can take a couple of years for a rose to die if the roots have been damaged. So from your description something is wrong with the roots. Because the rose is probably going t die, I would take it out of the container, look at the roots and because you already have it out, trim the roots back to activate them plus give them more room in the pot. Then cut the top back to 18 inches. Repot the rose using potted soil as it is sterile and also bacteria free. Mix it with a fine wood mulch so the water will drain quickly and the roots can penetrate easily. Place the container where it doesn't get any hot afternoon sun. Don't give it any fertilizer as the rose will be under stress and not able to take it up. Wait until it has bloomed and then give it some fertilizer. It may take some time to come back back but Iceberg is hardy and vigorous and will survive.
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QUESTION: Thank you very much for the advise. One thing that 'scares' me though, is that I have never repotted a rose. This one has been in a ceramic pot for 7 years- I am so afraid that I will kill her very quick as she has been so 'set' in her growth in this container. I cannot break the pot, so I will have to 'scoop' her out somehow . What is the key to repotting an established rose without creating more damage to already unwell roots?
AnswerMoving a rose from a container will not kill it especially at this time of year. As I can't see what type of pot you have the rose in and how wide the opening in. All you can do it push a narrow type shovel down alongside of the rose and cut it out. It is the roots that have the problem so the only alternative is to try and get the rose out.
