How to revive an almost dead rose bush. Your plant can be saved, even if most of it is dry.
Roses die for various reasons, but as long as more than half of your plant remains healthy, you can save it with careful pruning. Proper care, maintenance, and a bit of patience are all you need to get your rose bush back in shape. Here’s exactly how to do it, according to an expert.
Death occurs for a multitude of reasons.
The death of roses is typically caused by a variety of factors, such as improper nutrient levels and maintenance, damage from fungi and insects, the plant’s age, and more, says Matt Arnett, a certified professional based in Georgia, USA, from Pike Nurseries.
“Since death is caused by a combination of these factors, it’s very difficult to determine the main cause,” he adds. This can make treatment a bit more challenging, but not impossible.
Act quickly.
Arnett advises acting quickly as soon as you notice this condition; you’ll need to prune any affected stems back to the unaffected part of the plant. “These could be small branches or larger sections that need to be removed and grafted to one of the main canes,” he says. “Use sharp pruners for precise cuts.” Additionally, Arnett advises monitoring the foliage for signs of insect and fungal damage; look for discoloration and holes. “If there are issues, take a sample of the damaged foliage to a local garden store, and they can help you determine the right remedy,” he says.
Prevent future problems with strategic planting.
If your roses aren’t planted in the right location under the right conditions, they are more likely to die. “Roses don’t like shady or wet locations, so place them in an area that gets at least six hours of sunlight and has well-drained soil,” he says.
“When planting, don’t plant the rose too deeply,” he explains, noting that these plants are sold in two ways: in pots and bare-root. “If you’re working with potted roses, plant them at the same level they are in the container.”
And for bare-root varieties, Arnett notes to follow the planting instructions given by the rose supplier.
Don’t be intimidated.
Don’t let the chance of death discourage you from growing roses; Arnett says these shrubs can bring a lot of beauty to your garden.
“The diversity found in roses, from the different growth habits to the wide range of flower colors and fragrances, offers something for every gardener,” he explains.
Photos: Pexels. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
