Yes, I mentioned three holes and I carefully placed rocks so they wouldn't get plugged. Those who use all peat must live in a dry climate.

I wasn't there to see how things went when you planted. I only mentioned what my opinion was as to probable problem. My reasoning: Soggy soil doesn't kill plants inside of 2 days unless it's soo hot they nearly cook. It's doubtful that with new plantings, nearly devoid of roots, that they could have used all the moisture in the mix you described. so I discounted drying out as the probable cause. You said you added the 10-10-10 to the top layer of soil. My first thought, as soon as I read your post was that it was fertilizer related. I still believe that. In a half whiskey barrel, you could probably use 1/3 cup of 10-10-10 if it was fully incorporated in the soil & mixed thoroughly. I wouldn't have used it as a top dressing, which is essentially what you did, and if I had, I would have limited the application to no more than an ounce. The dead leaves & stems lying about the photo have a texture to them that I usually see in plants with fungal problems, or that are suffering severe plasmolysis (fertilizer burn). If the plants appeared healthy when you planted them, it's not fungal (in such a short time). Why is the hosta & impatiens flourishing? It's probably not fair to judge the condition of recent transplants, but it (hosta) isn't flourishing. Flourishing comes after it's established. I don't know all the conditions of your planting, but the plant(s) with shallower roots may have died because of greater exposure to fertilizer in top layer of soil. It's all just a guess based on reasoning & some experience. Perhaps additional details may hold the clues to confirming what I said or pointing you in another direction. Good luck. Al

That's true, Joe. The time line varies some depending on where you live but you do eventually have to re-pot. In warmer climates that is between 2 and 4 years because they grow for a much longer season. In my zone 6 I have to do mine between 4 and 5 years because my season is short and they don't get root bound as quickly. When I change the soil I root prune too. A sure sign that your rose is root bound is if while you're pouring the water in the top of the pot it's running out the bottom just as fast!

MG soils tend to hold too much water when used by themselves, combine that with a container with no drainage and your asking for trouble. I would take the plants and all the soil out and drill some holes, then mix the soil with wood chips or shredded bark and some real wood charcoal for added drainage. Do not use charcoal briquettes, some types have added chemical in them and the natural charcoal is various sizes which will also increase drainage.