I purchased a David Austin tree rose (Desdemona) last February.
It’s been planted in a very large terracotta container, standing in full sun.
Location: Jacksonville, North Florida. Irrigation with a micro bubbler, 3 times per week during summer, and twice per week from fall to spring.
The tree started beautifully with many blooms. However, since June it started wilting and never fully recovered.
First symptoms in June: yellowing leaves, often falling.
I suspected this was due to too much water, so I reduced watering.
During summer, it bloomed moderately with a few new leaves, but this tree very obviously was not happy. Low growth, and low blooming since then.
Can somebody tell me what could be the causes?
I’m getting desperate. Don’t know what to do.
P.S: nearby, I have about 150 roses in the ground, all of them blooming and happy (even during summer months with extreme heat).
Thanks for your help if you have any advice.
How many drainage holes are in the container? I am thinking, if it is only one hole, as is the case with all my terracotta pots, the tap root may have plugged up the hole. This has actually happened to me, and that is why I pose the question. Poor drainage would cause the problems your rose is experiencing. Try turning the plant on its side to see what is going on underneath the container. Or water the rose, and notice whether or not there is any water coming from under the surface of the container.
You are right, there is only one hole.
Before planting, I added a layer of pebble and weed barrier fabric at the bottom.
But your idea is good, I will have a look today. If the sole hole is clogged, then it’s all bad.
Will keep you posted.
Thanks a lot
OK, you are 100% right.
We moved the pottery on the side and saw that the single hole is totally clogged.
Moreover, I tested the soil humidity and even though it does not show on grade, at 1/2 ft deep it is really damp.
Tomorrow I will drill 2 or 3 extra holes, stop any watering for a time and in late December or January when temperature is cooler, replant this poor tree rose which may be asphyxiated.
Hopefully you saved it. Thank you.
Wow, I am so glad you reached out! Tree roses are quite an investment these days.
Here in San Diego, they run $100.00 this time of year, $50.00 or say bareroot in January. What size is your terracotta container? Something you might consider doing if you’d like your tree to stay in a pot, is find a plastic container that fits within, and repot your rose into the plastic container. Then place it inside the terracotta pot. That way, it’s much easier to handle. Also, many horticulture people no longer suggest putting any sort of pebbles, rocks, or weed cloth at the bottom of containers as it actually can interfere with the health of the roots. You may want to try pulling the rose out of the container now to see what the roots actually look like. Try reviving them by scarifying any that look “untoward” and allowing new feeder roots to develop.
I always thought that roses didn’t have tap roots. Am I mistaken?