"Dave_s" wrote in message
...
A favorite rose of mine that I've had for many years, is in trouble.
The rose has stopped producing any new canes with blossoms.
Canes are dying and more may die soon. A lot of new canes are being
created but they are all at ground level, below the graft, I think.
I think this new growth are suckers, not new blossom bearing canes.

Where can I send jpg pictures so someone can advise me if any of this new
growth is not suckers? IF they are all suckers, how can I cause the
rose to produce canes above the graft? Should I remove all of the sucker
growth? I live near Los Angeles in Southern Calif in San Fernando Valley.

Thank you for any help.

Dave_s

(1) Anything growing from *below* the graft (bud union) is from the root
stock and should be removed all the way back to the source. Letting those
grow will kill off the top, desirable part (called the scion).

(2) An application of epsom salts in the soil around the rose is a common
remedy to encourage basel breaks (new cane growth). You might also rough up
the bud union a bit with a knife or steel brush. Don't overdo! The purpose
is to give openings to basel breaks in the otherwise tough bark covered bud
union.

(3) It might be too late to save the rose. If the top part (scion) has died
or is almost dead, it's probably a wasted effort. If you really like the
rose and know which variety it is, plan to buy a new one for the spring.

(4) Note that some roses, especially minis and old garden roses, are grown
on their own roots - i.e., NOT grafted - so ALL new growth is part of the
desirable rose. I'm guessing your rose is a modern, grafted rose, hence the
problem you've observed.

Gail
near San Antonio TX USA Zone 8