Question
Several weeks ago I ordered and received a bare root rose plant. I planted it in a large planter outdoors in my home in Westchester County where there is plenty of sun. The branches are turning brown and the few bud beginnings only come out a few millimeters and then die. I feed it weekly and it gets enough water. I could put it in the ground if that would be better. What do you recommend? Thank you.

Answer
I am afraid your rose is dying. A couple of things could be causing it. One you got a poor rose from the vendor and should ask for a replacement. Or two, the rose is re-acting to your weekly feeding. Most roses don't need fertilizer until after the first flush. The reason being is they don't have their feeder roots grown yet and so they can't take any nutrients up. It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks for the tiny white feeder roots to grow. If possible, move the rose out of the full sun or place a shade barrier around it. Cut back the rose bush past the brown canes, keep the soil moist but not wet and if it still won't grow then you need to have it replaced. When you scratch the lower end of the canes, they should have a green covering plus when you cut it back, the inside of the cane should be the colour of a green apple.