Sad Rosebush - Knowledgebase Question

Canton, Ge
Avatar for kay1165
Question by kay1165
May 30, 2010
There is a rose bush in my backyard that I have not touched in at least a year. Surprisingly, it's still alive (although not kicking), and I would like to revive it. I don't know much about gardening. What should I do first, or what are the most important things that should be done?


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Answer from NGA
May 30, 2010
Ample moisture, regular feeding and routine pruning should bring your rose back to life. Roses need about one inch of water per week, applied slowly so it has a chance to trickle down and wet the entire root mass. I'd scrape out some of the soil near the bush to make a watering basin. Mound up 2-3 inches of soil all around, about 12" from the main stems of your rose. Fill the basin with water, allow to drain, then fill it a second time. Once or twice a week is about all your rose will need. Feed with a rose food in amounts and with the frequency as recommended on the fertilizer package. Once you done these things you can begin to prune your rose. Start by removing anything that's obviously dead or dying. Then shorten the remaining stems and canes. Roses respond to pruning by producing healthy new stems and canes. I think a little TLC will make a world of difference with your rose bush.

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