Diagnosis failing rose bush

[Michael McC]

Neglected, this one time full bush of 65 plus years needs help.
Any knowledgeable members have some good advice for me on what to do ?

Thanks for your time.

 

[DirtMechanic]

What is wrong with it? No flowers? Its the end of the season and they can look shabby but be ok. Do you fertilize? Are you USDA growing zone 5b or 6a? First frost date?

 

[Michael McC]

As a child, I remember it as a full bush the size of Ralphie May. Today there are only about three main, spindly, shoots. Most of the leaves appear to have a blight (?) on them. Only a couple of places of new growth.

It blooms in the spring. Sweetest scented blossom ever.

The pictures are deceiving as to how far in decline this rose truly is.

What's the best way to add nutrients without hurting it? Safest way to feed it and what type of supplement?
Nothing has ever been applied that I know of.

thanks
M

 

[Michael McC]

What is wrong with it? No flowers? Its the end of the season and they can look shabby but be ok. Do you fertilize? Are you USDA growing zone 5b or 6a? First frost date?

Southwest Ohio.

 

[DirtMechanic]

Southwest Ohio.

Very simply there are 3 in 1 products for roses that will do nicely. While I would not use much N this time of year, what I would do is ensure P and K are available to it, as well as a chelated iron product with micronutrients. I would give it a tablespoon or two of magnesium sulfate as well. I cannot tell from the blurry pictures what is going on, but since roses are edible, bugs as well as fungi eat the leaves. Preliminary insecticide now may help stop any overwintering vermin in the soil below. It is all about the roots now. I would prune it pretty hard when it goes dormant. They love to bloom on new growth for the most part, and when you get past bud break in the spring and start your real fertilizing routine you should see some amazing growth and nice flowers.Study a little bonzai for the pruning, so you know what a nice shape is before you cut. I usually try to open mine up in the middle as they grow upwards more or less from the remaining branches.

 

[cntrlwagdnr]

Assuming you don't know the variety so you can't replace it, it's too far gone, you might try bud grafting onto some new root stock and completely resurrect it from scratch.

 

[Oliver Buckle]

I would prune it pretty hard when it goes dormant.

I don't know how cold you get, I always prune to two or three buds above the one I want incase frost causes die back, then take the rest off in the Spring after frosts finish and before growth starts.
That old it may not be grafted, but growing on its own root. If you can't see an obvious graft at the base try making cuttings from your prunings, about 9-to-12-inch pencil thick lengths. Drive a spade into the ground at 45 degrees, and lift it a little. making a slot to push the cuttings in, and then heeling them in. Taking them just below a bud and using rooting powder helps.

 

[DirtMechanic]

I don't know how cold you get, I always prune to two or three buds above the one I want incase frost causes die back, then take the rest off in the Spring after frosts finish and before growth starts.
That old it may not be grafted, but growing on its own root. If you can't see an obvious graft at the base try making cuttings from your prunings, about 9-to-12-inch pencil thick lengths. Drive a spade into the ground at 45 degrees, and lift it a little. making a slot to push the cuttings in, and then heeling them in. Taking them just below a bud and using rooting powder helps.

Not very. Maybe snow 1 to 5 days a year, and it is icy at that.

 

[headfullofbees]

Disease build-up in the soil is most likely.
Deep disinfection of soil is necessary.
Armillatox is what I'd look for, or something similar.