Rose food

[Mocurls]

Hi Everyone,
Looking for recommendations on rose food. I know manure is probably best but would prefer not to use it. I noticed this morning that my rose bushes are dying. Possibly a disease or fungus. Thanks!

 

[Mike Allen]

Sorry to hear that. Perhaps you'd might like to expand a bit. You begin by asking about Rose Fertilizer. YES Horse manure, minus the sawdust etc is best, as an annual mulch, digging in wil usually see your plants through the season till next year.

You then mention possible disease or fungus? Please try and give an overall picture.

 

[cpp gardener]

Figure out what the 'disease/pest' problem is and then fertilize. Use whatever packaged rose food you can find. Synthetic fertilizers work faster than organic ones and manure is really not necessary. Other options are much more nutrient rich.

 

[Mike Allen]

Usually upon seeing that your plant, tree or shrub is suddenly dying. DON'T grab the nearest packet or bottle of chemical feed/fertilizer. Viral, bacterial and pest problems may be part of the problem. Usually visual eveidence will be there. Discolouration of foliage, distortion of foliage etc. Check first the hydration of the subject and adjust as required.

Forget feeding, fertilizing and all of that. Although the biology of plants does have some similar characteristics to humans, a plant cannot be given a couple of paracetemol.

The plant needs to be stabalised, best way to do this is to care for the hydration. Once this is done and the plant begins to look it's old self, then leave well alone. In time feeding can be done. Feeding/fertilizing often does more harm than good. Hope this helps.

 

[cpp gardener]

Maybe some pics would help with the diagnosis.