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Rootstock for Roses in Perth

13 years ago

My daughter had just given me a gift of half a dozen bagged bare rooted roses. It seems however that they are grown on Dr Huey (?) rootstock rather than the Fortuniana that I am more familiar with.

I am a bit dismayed to read around the web that this rootstock is just not suitable for metropolitan Perth WA where I am. Is this actually the case? Does it mean that I would be better off not planting them (suggestions on how to tell my daughter are very welcome!) or is there some special care I could give these so that they grow reasonably?

My soil is basic sand but has been fairly well enriched and built up over the last few years. I don't want to hurt her feelings but are they as "doomed" as seems to be the impression I get from googling around?

The varieties she has bought are Bonica, Papa Meilland, Mr Lincoln and Champagner. I have previously grown all of these other than Champagner but they would have been on a different rootstock.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I am no great shakes as a gardener but have previously grown roses with moderate success. I don't mind fussing over these a bit more than usual if that would help!

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Comment (1)

LynDyWA
13 years ago
Dear totalli, what a shame, so depressing to get all those negative messages. I have grown roses on the "wrong" rootstock and I have to say , yes they don't do so well here in the west. However one solution could be to have a go at growing some cuttings to see if they could grow on their own roots. Some will and some won't- For instance I have a golden wings that is ok , and Seduction grew quite well into a low hedge, all from cuttings,but Peace was useless. Lots of heritage roses are grown from cuttings. Save some pencil thick sticks about 20 cm long from pruning and put them in as cuttings in a sandy and coir peat mix in a pot and keep them watered, you may be surprised.Another idea rather tricky , would be to " bud" small slivers of the rose onto another well grown base plant, but this needs to be done in January.Books could tell you how, or do have a green fingered friend? Good luck.
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