Why Are My Replanted Roses Dying?

Water

• The most likely cause of failing replanted roses is lack of water. If the roses had been in their previous location for many years, their root structures were well established and they may not have needed regular supplemental water. When you replant them, however, you need to water them as if they are brand new roses. For the first year or two, at the very least, they need regular watering. The soil should remain slightly moist, not muddy, at all times. Each rose bush should get about 6 to 8 gallons of water each week when temperatures are 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, 9 gallons when temperatures are 80 to 90, and 12 gallons if temperatures go above 90. Divide these weekly amounts into equal portions and water the roses two or three times per week.

Soil

• If the rose has been getting plenty of water and is still failing, it could be drowning. Heavy clay soil will hold the water in and cause the roots to rot. Even though they were replanted in the same yard, the previous growing location may not have been heavy clay. The clay may have been left in one area of the yard when the house was built or the soil at the previous growing location may have been amended before the roses were planted. If the soil is heavy clay, dig the roses back up and check the roots. Remove the dead brittle roots and, if good healthy roots remain, plant the roses in 5-gallon containers with good quality top soil or houseplant potting soil and water them regularly until you can replant them. Dig the clay out of the planting location and replace it with good top soil. Where the clay is especially heavy, gravel and drains may need to be put in below the top soil. Another option when clay is a problem is a raised rose bed.

pH

• Soil pH is a big factor in nutrient absorption. Roses thrive in soil with an acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.9. Alkaline soil can inhibit nutrient absorption. Even if nutrients such as manganese and iron are present in the soil, the roses' roots may be unable to absorb them because of the high pH. While the soil pH generally does not vary greatly from one side of the yard to the other, it can be more alkaline along the foundation of a house or sidewalk. Lime from the concrete leaches into the soil, raising the pH. If the pH was 6.8 or 6.9 in the old growing location away from the concrete, the soil near concrete may be too alkaline. Have the soil tested. This can be done by the local extension office.

Other Possibilities

• Too much shade can be a problem for roses. Make sure they are getting at least five to six hours of direct sunlight in the new location. Planting them too close to trees can be double trouble. The trees not only block the sunlight, they compete with roses for moisture and nutrients. Roses will always lose to trees. Do not give newly transplanted roses fertilizer for at least several weeks. Wait until the roses are putting out healthy new growth and leaves before fertilizing.