I used it one year wih newly planted bare roots and they died. But I amended the planting soil. Think it was too hot. I uses it every year on the top as a scratch in and the roses seem to love it. I think a smidge in the bottom of the hole would be ok. Would try to keep it from direct contact with the roots.

So we grind up chicken bones, other inedible-to-us proteins or switch to the fish products associated with the menhaden fleet that works the Chesapeake Bay. For almost all of us there are streams that are fished locally. So, if you really care, get to know your local fishermen. Fish guts are good. For plants. That is.

I remember reading this somewhere - "Roses are hogs - feed 'em". The article said something to the effect of never mind getting technical - just get a good fertilizer and feed regularly. For whatever reason I have remembered that. I can get MM Mix in Houston at Southwest Fertilizer - they also have their own mix that is very similiar and costs less. I am a member of the Houston Rose Society and in February, there is "rose week" where rose products are discounted 15% off. I go to Houston, lunch with a friend and buy all my Mills Mix then. However, this year they were totally out of it so I bought their mix. I have not seen any difference. I also use Rose Tone. I suppose because I dont feed just one thing, I cant tell if one is better than the other. I have a friend who is an expert gardner - he buys the cheaper K-Mart fertilizer instead of the Miracle Gro - says it does the same thing. I am sure no expert rose grower like so many knowledgable people on this forum, but I have had good luck top dressing with rotted horse compost [I raise horses so its in good supply] and using fish emulsion, the Houston Rose Society mix, Miracle Gro for Roses, Rose Tone, Mills Mix, Carl Pool BR 61 - or whatever else I find that looks good. Seems to work well.

Do they show some growth? Leaves? Green cane? If so, then I don't think I would disturb them again. They are probably just building roots instead of top growth. That is good. If you lift them now, especially if you only "lift" them and do not replant, you will disturb the roots again and possibly introduce air pockets around some of the roots. Not good. If by fall you do not see growth, then next spring I would dig them up and replant. I have never had a problem with planting too deep.