I once read about some folks who wanted to study lawn grass, bear with me! They got a backhoe, dug a trench, and lined it with plate glass. They planted the different kinds of lawn grass seed, and watched it grow, roots and all. They got a BIG surprise the first time they mowed the grass, the roots died backto match how much the green part was cut. A balance. The scientists had thought the roots wouldn't die.
Perhaps roses lose roots when you prune the tops.
I have only a Chicago Peace and a Tropicana. Want a Fragrant Cloud badly, but the nurseries stay sold out.
