Q: On the 15th of February, I trimmed two Alexander Roses, both 25 years old, down to about two feet. While one of them, which resides in full sunlight, ceased to produce buds, the other one in semi-shade is flourishing. How can I help the first rose begin to grow once more? I fear I may have killed it. – FC, County Galway
A: The ‘Alexander’ rose, a strong hybrid tea rose known for its red, subtly fragrant flowers, was first developed in the 1970s by well-known rose breeders Harkness Roses and named to honour British soldier Field Marshall Harold Alexander. It enjoys rich, moist but not waterlogged soil and full sun exposure. Though they can survive for periods ranging from 30-40 years, hybrid tea roses typically last around 15-20 years when handled correctly. So, your roses reaching such an age is quite an accomplishment.
It appears that the combination of its old age and rather harsh pruning could either have shocked or killed the first rose. The only accurate way to ascertain if the rose is actually dead is to give it time to either recover or not. It’s not unusual for seemingly dead plants to revive gradually over time and even generate new growth. In the interim, you could lightly scrape a minuscule portion of its main stem’s outer skin. If it’s green beneath, then it indicates the potential for life.
To further assist the process, judiciously remove any weeds around both roses and sprinkle some high-quality, organic slow-release granular fertiliser on the soil. Lightly mix this into the soil with a fork and promptly cover the soil with a thick layer of matured manure and/or garden compost measuring about 5cm. It’s crucial to ensure none of it touches the roses’ stems directly to prevent decay or disease.
Utilising a blend of manure/compost and fertiliser can significantly enhance the richness of your soil, while simultaneously introducing a substantial amount of organic matter. This dual-purpose treatment functions as a comprehensive health supplement for all plants. To maintain optimal health in your plants, particularly roses, make sure to deadhead them consistently throughout their growth season. Supplement this with intermittent liquid seaweed foliar feeds during their active growth phase, and a secondary serving of slow-release organic granular fertiliser at the base of each plant at the end of July or in August.
In the unfortunate event of the demise of your rose bush, it is ill-advised to substitute it with another, as the new bush could fall victim to what is known as “rose sickness.” This ailment, whose root cause remains somewhat elusive, often results in stunted growth and can sometimes even cause the death of the plant. Rose sickness typically transpires when a new rose is planted in the same area where other roses grew for an extended period. If faced with this circumstance, consider substituting with a long-lasting, sun-loving decorative shrub, such as deutzia, fuchsia, rosemary, hydrangea, lavender or philadelphus.