I have a few new Rugosas from last year and I wonder if I can use Osmocote
time release fertilizer on them. I know that Rugosas are a little touchy
about fertilizer and I don't want to hurt them. I am using some bone meal,
epsom salt and will use fish emulsion during the year also. I have put a
good shovel full of compost around each one too. Any info would be helpful.
Sharon in MN

In article ,
says...
I have a few new Rugosas from last year and I wonder if I can use Osmocote
time release fertilizer on them. I know that Rugosas are a little touchy
about fertilizer and I don't want to hurt them.

Reactions to fertilizers, insecticides, etc. seems to vary among
rugosas. Based on my limited experience, the closer they are in lineage
to the species the more they dislike the stuff. Some of the more
hybridized varieties don't seem to mind anything, even systemics.

I've got a Hansa that gets systemic ever year and gets cut back to waist
high every spring. Always makes it to about 7' high (and wide) in a
month or two and blooms like crazy. This has been going on for about 15
years now.

So there is no easy answer.

--
Homo sapiens is a goal, not a description

did nt know that about rugosa being touchy...it is possible to overfeed......osmocote would need to be below the soil surface to kick in....the thing i heard with rugosa is don t let it fruit too much when young

lgb wrote:
In article ,
says...

I have a few new Rugosas from last year and I wonder if I can use Osmocote
time release fertilizer on them. I know that Rugosas are a little touchy
about fertilizer and I don't want to hurt them.


Reactions to fertilizers, insecticides, etc. seems to vary among
rugosas. Based on my limited experience, the closer they are in lineage
to the species the more they dislike the stuff. Some of the more
hybridized varieties don't seem to mind anything, even systemics.

I've got a Hansa that gets systemic ever year and gets cut back to waist
high every spring. Always makes it to about 7' high (and wide) in a
month or two and blooms like crazy. This has been going on for about 15
years now.

So there is no easy answer.


Thank you for the answer. I will ponder the subject and decide what I want
to do. I have two of the same kind and might just try it on one and see
what happens.
Sharon in MN