Does ” …sounds somewhat unlikely” apply to the nematode/5 years advice as well as to the ”healthier/more bloomy” touting?

I live in south Florida. IT is true that we are recommend to get roses on Fotuinaia root stock because of nematodes.

I use to get roses at the big box stores where the roses were on Dr. Huey. I considered them annuals. They declined really fast and I did not know why at the time. It was the nematodes.

I then bought some own root roses from Chamblees. They actually did pretty well for a while. In fact, I still have one left, Dark Desire, it is probably 15 years old in the ground. In fact Dark Desire does so well and so vigorous own root that I keep saying when it goes off patent that it should be tried as a root stock. The other own root roses that I got at the time did not seem to die from the nematodes, but because the roots were not vigorous to compete with palm trees.

I have a few own root roses now that seem to be doing ok. I had a few Austins own root that did well, they died from a flood, not from nematodes. I noticed the other day that my own root Claire Matin is not thriving and when I was weeding I noticed her own roots have galls from the nematodes.

So I have a mixture of own root roses and fortuniana root stock roses. I have only 1 Dr. Huey that I have had for awhile, but it is on its last leg..... and it is in a pot. The nematodes will go right into the pot.

So to answer your question, in my personal experience, roses on Dr. Huey will not last. I called them annuals, not because they would die within the first year, but they started growing backwards very very quickly. Own root roses can last longer in the ground, but I would say it is a hit or miss which rose would last. I never really paid attention to roots until Strawchicago explained how some own root roses will get chunky and others are more fine like. I now try to pay attention, but I am not sure what I had. Also, if you suffer from nematodes, they love the sandy soil. If you keep the soil well amended with lots of organics you can keep them at bay. I find that challenging in itself, because I can put down a foot of horse manure or foot of shredded leaves, and it will not last even a summer. It breaks down so fast.... and I end up with sand before you know it.

Hopefully this helps.

I thought this was only a Florida thing (not that I know much about it, being in Colorado). Severe, are you sure this is an issue in your area?

rifis,

The 'somewhat unlikely' comment referred mainly to the "5 years" expiration date. I would be much, much less tempted by ANY rose, no matter how gorgeous, if I knew it only had a 5 year life expectancy. After all, it takes a rose a few years just to settle in.

I thought rose bushes were expected to last for decades, if not more.

5 year would be a deal-breaker for me.

@BenT (NorCal 9B Sunset 14),

Thank you for your clarifications. I am reluctant to click the 'like' button for your rose pictures because "like" would be an insult to the concept of "crazy about."

Nobody can just "like" your roses. But since a "like" button is all we have...I did that and you multiply it by 10,000. :)

I am not even that much into red roses but I find yours absolutely breath-taking.

Would you remind me who that beauty is again?

@sharon2079,

This is important information. Thank you! I have Easy Does It and Belinda's Dream in own root (both in pots), the others are most likely on Dr. Huey.

@Mischievous Magpie (CO 5b),

I am not sure. I just read about the whole thing and it seemed to be mainly about Florida conditions, but K@M nursery mentioned them as being common across the South.

I don't know fur sure, which is why I am asking.

I wonder if other non-Floridian Southerners have experienced the nematode problem and a short life expectancy for their roses.

Severe, I really can't be sure, but from reading on here for the past year, I only ever remember reading about this being an issue for the FL rose growers. I hope you're able to get some better clarification soon!

Okay, just read through "Rose Culture for Georgia Gardeners" from U. Of Georgia Cooperative Extension and there is a tiny paragraph about nematodes, and it's extremely general. The rest of the 16 page article does not mention them at all, or mention specific rootstocks used to avoid them.

It's confusing. It would be good to know if nematodes are mainly a Florida problem or it applies to the entire South.

I doubt it’s much of a Georgia problem (At least not Atlanta area). I see Knock Outs growing fine around the Atlanta area.

Ben - you truly are a master rose grower!! Beyond beautiful!!

@BenT (NorCal 9B Sunset 14),

This is true. I've also seen Knock-Outs in one place for much longer than 5ive years so hopefully this doesn't apply.

In this case, I do have to say that any Florida rose grower is a dedicated soul. It's one thing to yank out various smaller and easier plants every few years, it's another to do the same with roses and expect it.

The root knot nematodes can be located in other places other than Florida. If you have sandy soil you could have them. The reason they are so prevalent in Florida is that they are active all year long.

@sharon2079,

We don't have sandy soil. It's hard red clay. In drought, it turns to brick.

@BenT (NorCal 9B Sunset 14),

Since we are staring intently at your beauties LOL, may I ask a few questions about spraying?

I remember you said you spray consistently.

I found it very difficult to commit to a spraying regimen but when I see your pictures it's almost like I could actually do it. If I knew this is what it takes to get your results and a lack of consistent spraying is what explains my sub-mediocre results,, I might actually be able to motivate myself and spend the time.

Here are the questions:

1. Do you use a regular spraying bottle by hand, or more automatic sophisticated methods?

Most of the spraying bottles I tried I found very cumbersome.

At some point, something happens with the air inside, you can't press anymore and have to wait until the bottles works again; wind blows it back the liquid back in my face, my hands starts hurting from all the pressing, never mind in the summer mosquitos and all sorts of other microscopic creatures I have an allergy to pinch me with devastating results if I stay outdoors more than a few minutes .

This is probably what results in less watering than I should be doing too. I learned it is difficult for me to be in the yard in the summer.

I start with good intentions in the Spring, I do one round of spraying to prevent BS setting on thoise nice fresh leaves, but when the heart and mosquitos hit, I have to run inside fast. Yes, we sprayed for mosquitos and it didn't do much because there are other tiny creatures that pinch me too.

2. How often do you spray and what do you use?

3. Do you alternate fungicides?

Also, what is the name of the last rose and is it only one bush or several?

Your roses are spectacular!

Unfortunately, the spraying is an incredible PITA for me but if you have any advice, I would greatly appreciate it.