Unhappy rose

KirstyB2

I planted this David Austin rose in spring, Crown Princess Marguerite. We chose it because it's in a North facing corner and we wanted it to grow up the shed.  Sadly she is not thriving. Any suggestions?  Another climbing rose (Teasing Georgia) bought at the same time is doing really well

Fire

Possibly a little too shady, if it's under fennel etc. David Austin says this rose like full sun but will tolerate partial shade. It does need some direct sun. The RHS define 'partial shade' as three to six hours of direct sun.

B3

Is something eating the leaves?

Borderline

It looks alive and you should not give up on it. The way the shoots are forming there may have been weedkiller that could have drifted onto it. The growth looks stunted. At this time of year, most roses are forming leaves and buds. If you have just planted it, do keep it watered or move it to another location with a bit more sun.

KirstyB2

Thanks for these thoughts. I don't think it's weedkiller, we haven't used any. Possibly too shady. It was planted in early spring so it is disappointing growth. I'll keep faith for a little longer and have a contingency plan to move it if it doesn't pick up.

Obelixx

It looks to me as tho it's not been planted deep enough as the graft union is visible when it should be an inch or two below the surface.   

In my experience, some DA roses can take a year or two to settle in and get their roots growing well so I tend to move strugglers to a large pot (60cms high and min 50cms wide) and grow them on for a year before planting out.  That means I can keep an eye on them and move them about to more sun or shade as needed.

Did you use microrhizal fungae when you planted it?  That helps them get away too.

Fire

"it's not been planted deep enough as the graft union is visible when it should be an inch or two below the surface.  "

But surely this is pretty recent advice? Forever the graft union was planted above the soil with no ill effects?

Obelixx

It may be recent but it's advice from rose breeders and growers so worth following.  I've checked the RHS site and they recommend having the union at soil level.  Either way, not above the soil.

Fire

Sure. I just mean, it's unlikely to actively harm a rose to have the union above the soil, as in this case....

Marlorena

Looking at that, as has been mentioned, you would normally expect weedkiller damage perhaps from a neighbouring garden, but if that isn't the case, and it's been there since Spring, then it must be a cultivation issue... 
...The problem with the graft above soil level is that it can appear as though the rose hasn't been planted in firmly enough, which seems the case to my eyes. I reckon I could pull those canes and that rose would just come out of the ground, and you shouldn't be able to do that easily...   The fact the rose was planted in Spring makes me think the root system just can't grip the soil, too many air pockets.    It's important to push down with either your toes or heels when planting roses, that rose just isn't getting anything from the roots to produce growth.

The north facing site wouldn't be a problem for this rose... alternatively, you could contact Austin Roses and show them a picture.  They may send you another plant..

KirstyB2

Thanks folks. Interesting stuff.  So sounds like I should maybe dig it up and replant a bit deeper.  I think I used myccorhizal fungi. I know I had some, but sometimes I find I still have it at the end.  It does have green shoots so not too dire, it's just nowhere near as perky as the other one I planted at the same time.