Transplant Rose with Damaged Roots?

Question

I've had voles eat the roots of one of my rosebushes. The rose has lost all of its leaves because a great deal of the roots have been eaten by the voles. Prior to this it was having a great year, flowering greatly.

I want to try and save the rose. I will be transplanting it to a large pot. I think I may have a chance to get it to survive since there are some roots left.

My questions is this, I know rooting compound works when trying to take roots from a curring. Since there are roots left on the plant itself (albeit not too many) should I dip the base of the plant in the rooting compound? Will it help/hurt the root system that is left?

Answer 1

With some roots left you should be able to save it.  Look how cuttings turn into bushes. This is what I would try. Before re-planting, soak whats left of the roots in water overnight and add  rooting hormones to the water— keep the leftover water to pour on the roses once planted.  Cut off any dead or broken roots. Try to handle the roots gently—the tiny hair-like rootlet tips are where all of the action is when it comes to drawing water and nutrients from the soil. ( this method works for bare root roses) Make sure you keep it well watered since the roots are so short and of course lots of sun that roses love. I grow all my roses in pots. I live in Florida and it just easier on keep the bugs and pest at bay. Don't forget to use a good insecticide/feed. I wish you much luck on saving your rose bush(es) ;-)

Answer 2

I would say give it a try if you are loosing the rose anyway.

If there any roots left, it may be enough.

But it probably wont hurt.

Just a tiny bit on the roots ( shake of the excess) and plant it in a pot that is big enough. Make sure that you keep it watered the rest of the summer.

Answer 3

I'd suggest using a rooting solution rather than powder..(too much powder causes root rot!!).....and perhaps some willow tea and /or vitamin B-12 solution, too....anything to ease the transplant shock it's in.....

keep the soil moist, not soggy... those little new roots must have a moist soil to work their way thru... never let it dry out totally or it's lost.... and don't worry if there's no new growth... if there's still green in the branches it's living, just busy working on roots.. leaves will come later....