Sounds like a plant with an infection or an infestation. Root rot is pretty prevalent in nursery stock, maybe look at the roots to see if these are partly dead.

Try again, it's worth it. The band I got last spring was over 6' tall by the end of the season, with several fat new basals.

George

Six feet tall? If this rose suddenly disappears from your garden you'll know who stole it. I ordered this band from a very reputable nursery and would be terrified to dig it up and look at the roots. I doubt it could sustain such trauma. For now, I'll just keep babying it and see if this year brings any improvement. It does have some tiny nubbins of new growth on it, and overall the rose looks healthy, what there is of it. Since it's the runt of the litter I do have some sort of maternal affection for it, when I'm not feeling exasperated. I'm hoping this rose season will bring a miracle.

Thank you for your input.

Ingrid

Ingrid--how long ago did you purchase the band and how long has it been in the ground? I have Ley's from a band and now in the ground for about 5 months. It is still very small, but I expect that given a year or so, it will start its growth spurt. Many of my roses seem to take off in the third year or later. I hope you see some results soon.

jb, I believe I bought it about six months ago and I always plant my bands immediately. Since your plant is also small perhaps I just need to be a little more patient. The little nubbins I mentioned have now turned into tiny leaves. It's been very warm the last three days so it's possible that this rose needs the heat to put on growth. Thanks for your encouragement and I hope that by fall both of us will be happy with our roses.

Ingrid

Ingrid--do be more patient. Some roses seem to take off quickly, but generally, they do take about 3 years on average to really get their feet. You know, crawl first, then toddle then walk and run...
Best of luck to you.
Joanne