Raspberry ripple rose flowers droop before opening

Question

Hello I have a raspberry ripple rose bush. The flowers droop and stems before the flowers open, have you any idea why ? It’s only a 3 year old and has done the same thing every year.

Answer 1

Some rosebushes have a real problem with weak stems. The rosebuds get so big and heavy that the stems droop with the weight and get considerably worse once they bloom. Some actually droop enough that it prevents plant liquids flowing to the buds, thus they die and drop off. I recommend giving the rosebush some potash. There is usually a little of it in the rose foods but may not be enough. That should help to strengthen the stems on the rosebushes. Another thing you can do is buy small metal trellises and tie the canes off to the trellis with some flexible tape or rubber coated wire.

Be sure to keep the rosebush well watered as being too dry can cause the drooping.