Broken cascade rose on main stem

Question

After a recent storm, the trunk of one cascade rose was broken. Can it be repaired or should I buy a new rose? The rose is 5 years old and has a large spread. What can I do (if you would like to see picture, I can send to you but not sure how though)?

Answer 1

If the main trunk of the rosebush is totally broken into two separate pieces then it is time to buy a new rose. If it is only partially broken there is still hope. First of all you need to used either a couple of temporary support trellises or other support structures. Tie the rosebush well to the supports holding it in what was its natural upright position. Wash the wound out with cool water. Fit the trunk back together as best you can and apply some Tree Wound sealer ( a tar like product) all around the broken and wounded area. Wrap the broken area with the tree trunk wrapping material that folks use to wrap the trunks of their trees for winter protection. Wrap the area firmly and two to three inches above and below the break area. Water the rosebush with a couple gallons of water that has both a root stimulator and a product called Super Thrive in it. Give the bush this mix the next 4 to 5 times it needs watering. After a couple months if the rosebush is still showing life and doing okay, take it partially loose from the supports and see if it will stand on its own for a couple hours. If it does, tie it back to the supports and give it another month before totally taking it loose. You may want to leave one of the supports so that this does not happen again. If the rose immediately acts like it is going to fall over, it is time to think about getter a new rosebush as it just is not going to repair itself well enough.