Hello!
I have an old type pink rose bush which is a propagate of my Great grandmother's plant. It is planted on the south-east corner of my house and has done very well for the last 12 or so years. Last year it was gorgeous with endless blooms and lush foliage. The plant is over 6 feet tall and about 5' diameter.
I am extremely upset to see that this spring, there are very, very few leaves budding out. The majority of the canes appear brittle and dead, though there are still a few green ones in the center. It looks dead compared to my other bushes which are heavy with young leaves. There are some sparse buds here and there, but it really is in a sorry state. I would say that only 10% of the plant has buds or the beginning of young leaves.
I think I may know the problem. Two years ago I got a dog who has brought much joy to my life. However, it was only this morning that I observed him peeing at the base of the bush. I believe he may have been doing this for quite a while and has killed the bush.
Is there any way to save it? My daughter is coming over tomorrow with pruners and rooting hormone.
Would it be a good idea to cut back what looks like dead growth? Is now a bad time? I live in middle Nebraska and have never really pruned my roses so I am unsure what to do.
Is there anything I can add to the soil to ammend it from how the dog urin has altered it?
Also, does anyone have a suggestion for trying to root a cutting? We have never done anything like that before but at the point I am willing to try anything. This bush means so much to me, I would he heartbroken if I lost it.
Thank you dearly for any help you can provide!
Edit:
I will try to get out tomorrow and take some photos to add. I am not great with technology, please forgive me.
