Spindly David Austin Rose. Mary Rose

j.binns990

Planted about 4 years ago my Mary Rose has got swamped by bushes and has not thrived. It only has one long stem which has flowered and looks quite healthy. I thought it may also be in too heavy soil so I have dug it up and replanted it in lighter soil adding Micorrhizal fungi to the roots. My question is, should I be brave and cut it down in the hope it will throw more shoots? If so how low do I cut? There is a new shoot at the base but I fear this is below the graft and needs to be cut away. I took photo before I replanted it. 

Marlorena

First of all, put that in a bucket of water for 24 hours before you do anything else and let it rehydrate. Submerge it to above the graft point.

On replanting, I wouldn't prune any of it at this time, just leave the rose as it is without cutting anything back, and prune hard next Spring.  If mine, I would try to cut back to about 6 inches above the ground in this case, or wherever I can see the lowest bud eyes just poking out... 

I can't see it clearly, need a close up, but that does look like a sucker coming from below the graft, so yes, remove that if so... 

j.binns990

Thank you that is really useful. I have already replanted it but I have put the graft below soil surface. It has been well watered. I was wondering when I should cut it back. 

Marlorena

That's ok, no problem with replanting straight away as long as you've well watered it in... 

I always plant the graft below soil level too, an inch or two...  there is no point pruning or feeding it now at this time, all the rose wants to do is recover from the shock of transplanting, and it needs its top growth, so just give it time to do that..   if it does grow some between now and October, I might tip prune it a little if it's in a very windy position, to prevent windrock during the winter, that's all... otherwise, no.

Inglezinho

I think you have a legitimate cause for complaint. David Austin is a reputable grower and shouldn't be selling plants like this in need of emergency surgery! . Good luck. Ian

Dovefromabove

The poster said that the rose became swamped byother bushes soon after planting and has remained so for at least three years ... I don't think DA can be held responsible for its current poor condition. 

Hopefully with Marlorena's advice the bush can be saved and a good plant will result. 

j.binns990

I am guilty of forgetting it was there and letting surrounding bushes to starve it of light. I think that is why it has grown tall and spindly. Not the fault of DA. The soil was also quite heavy so I think it would benefit from better soil round its roots. It did have a couple of loverly flowers on which I deheaded as soon as they had gone over. Fingers crossed I can save it. Thanks for help. 

Dovefromabove

Good luck!  Let us know how it gets on