I threaten them. I buy a replacement and set the pot right next to the sickly rose and sometimes even plant the new one right next to it. I have 4 sets of twins in the yard because the first one decided to shape up. I'm about to buy a replacement Sexy Rexy and wouldn't you know that one cane wonder is doing its best to produce a big bud.
Honestly I think it's because I water the new one, and that may be what the old one needed as well....
I fertilized this year for the first time. Other years, I use alfalfa pellets, blood meal, mushroom compost, fish emulsion or a brew of all of the above plus superthrive. I have an earthkind bed that gets nothing other than good soil prep at the outset. They look as good as the ones that get the stinky brew. That bed will get water this year for the first time because I planted cannas and hardy hibiscus in there.
This is the area I call the formal rose bed. not so formal anymore.
