Q.Problem With My Roses.
They are putting you pieces out from the bottom, but die before the reach 18 inches. The top is green and lush with roses, but the bottom is bare and empty. They where my late Mothers, who use to let them grow to tall. I have been taking the highest old pieces of, bit before winter and the rest when the frost stops. Get new growth but as they grow up they die with no sign of leaves. I have 3 rose bushes and 2 climbing, they are all the same. Any help or advice would very helpful. Carol Fairhall. cfairhall@hotmail.com
A picture and a description of symptoms when the roses "die" would be useful. It is normal for canes to lose foliage in the summer months or when the plant has a blackspot infestation.
I would review a checklist of must-do's regarding roses to see if anything there applies to your situation:
* the plant needs more than 6 hours of direct sunlight.
* the soil needs to be well draining, slightly acidic but they will tolerate some alkalinity.
* if the soil is already moist or wet, do not water. Do not let the soil sty wet for long periods of time.
* maintain some mulch to minimize soil evaporation.
* there are a series of fungal issues that roses can have like stem cancker. Healthy green canes develop a dull brown discoloration in the pith that can extend downwards. Dieback can occur any time of the year, be caused by cane damage, fungal diseases, pests, etc. For example: After a cool, wet spring, blackspot can get rampant and you can see an increase in the amount of plant dieback.
To keep the roses in good condition, provide adequate sun, water, air circulation, rich, well-draining soil and maintain clean sanitation practices. Prune using sharp, disinfected pruners to leave a clean, 45-degree cut.
