Question
Hello.  I have a trio of "sub-zero" roses planted in between 4 hybiscus bushes (every other one).  Each plant is about 8-10 feet from the next.  Six of the plants look great, but the firey red rose bush will not break dormancy.  The canes are brown when scratched, the main stem does have a "moist woody" look to it when scratched.  The roses were just planted this Spring.  I do see a few black ants crawling in the soil/mulch around the rose bush, but not on it.  I have called the company and they will send a new bush next Spring...still is there anything I can do?  I live in the App. Mountains of West Virginia.  Thanks in advance!

Answer
red roses are not known for their hardiness and of all the colors can be the first to die in a cold winter. Your rose bush is dead so that is what has happened to it. Alas, the rose is dead and there is nothing you can do. Glad to hear the store is standing by it's plants and sending you another new one. Just make sure you really mound the new one up with at least 10 inches of soil so it will go through the winter.