"Michelle" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have a dozen rose bushes planted in a 3 foot high planter which runs
along the back wall of my yard. I live in Arizona (Zone 10 I think?)
and this summer was especially dry. I lost four bushes this summer
possibly because of the draught. Boo Hoo, I even lost my favorite
Double Delight! I was deep-root watering twice a day, but I'm not
sure it was enough. I was told by a friend of mine, who seems to be a
rose guru, that the life span of those particular roses may have
expired. I have only had my rose bushes for 6 years. I thought roses
lasted a lot longer than that. I actually wasn't aware that they had a
life span at all. Does anyone know if this is actually true? If it is
true, does anyone have any suggestions for colorful, fragrant roses
that will last longer than 6 years in a planter? I am lazy and don't
like having to replant. I have roses because they are beautiful and
don't require a great deal of attention, except at pruning time.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions and info.


Own root roses can live several hundred years. There are roses growing in
old new england properties that can attest to that. Grafted roses have a
much lower life span about 7-10 years.

Having said that, deep watering twice a day? That seems to be a bit much.
Even with a drought, deep watering twice a week should be enough. Perhaps
place a bucket of water near the roses to increase the humidity next to the
roses. Just besure to dump out the water every other day to prevent
mosquitos from growing in it.

-S