Wild Rose Bushes - Ask Extension
Hi! I have three Rose bushes that popped up this year, in the same spot as old Rose bushes that were almost dead last year. Are they the root stock or...
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Wild Rose Bushes #868055
Asked May 12, 2024, 8:39 AM EDT
Hi! I have three Rose bushes that popped up this year, in the same spot as old Rose bushes that were almost dead last year. Are they the root stock or is there something more serious going on that I should be addressing by removing these newly sprouted Rose bushes.
Lake County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Lisa,
Thank you for contacting us about your roses. It is very possible the new growth comes from the root stock of the former bushes. If they were rugosa roses (non-grafted), the growth is probably from some of the roots that were left behind.
There is no harm in removing the new shrubs. However, unless you want them to regrow, be sure to follow each section of the root and dig them all out.
Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
Thank you for contacting us about your roses. It is very possible the new growth comes from the root stock of the former bushes. If they were rugosa roses (non-grafted), the growth is probably from some of the roots that were left behind.
There is no harm in removing the new shrubs. However, unless you want them to regrow, be sure to follow each section of the root and dig them all out.
Please write again anytime you have a gardening question.
Hi Lynn Marie,
Thank you for your quick response to my email.
I want to know if I should remove the wild rose bushes because they’ve surrounded my Mr. Lincoln. The color combination’s gorgeous but I don’t want the wild rose to change or possibly kill Mr. Lincoln.
I’ll leave them alone as long as they won’t affect my other Rose bushes, they may pop up next to. My garden’s full of own root and grafted Roses, such as celestial night, DA Charlotte, Peace, Rosie the Riveter and many more.
I have about 75 rose bushes in my garden all different variates.
The Rosie the Riveter died this past winter and exactly where she was is where one of the wild roses sprouted up this year. The same happened with one of my deceased peace roses ( really bad black spot)I had transplanted to a different area to see if I could save it. It died and the same exact thing happened, in that very spot a red wild rose sprouted.
They’ve not bloomed yet and I don’t see the presence of any buds yet. I’ve dug up 2 and gave them some rose food to see if they would start budding but nothing yet.
I have nothing against wild roses and don’t mind them naturally sprouting up between my other plants and rose bushes, I just don’t want to risk them killing any of my other roses and plants. I have peonies that have wild rose sprouts coming up next to them. Should I treat the wild roses as weed and pull them out or just leave them to enrich the volume of flowers shown in my garden beds. I like the idea of Mother Nature doing her thing and adding free roses for me but I read so many conflicting stories about wild roses.
What do you suggest? Take the wild roses out or leave them as is?
Sincerely,
Lisa Cataldi
Hi Lisa,
I think I understand your question better now. Wild roses are colonizers. The roots spread aggressively so they can easily become "weedy".
Like most weeds, they are opportunists. If there is a void, they will try to fill it. This is especially true if the vacant spot has conditions that the weed finds particularly favorable. So, if your elite roses get a little more water, or have better access to fertilizer, the wild roses will be happy to step in.
The only truly detrimental effect of having them in the area is that they may compete for space, water, and nutrients. Space may be the determining factor. If they don't have enough room, they will happily encroach on your other roses.
If you don't mind having to root them out regularly, you can enjoy them. If they become a nuisance, you may decide it's time for them to go. We always refer to right plant, right place. Your rose garden may not be the right place for a somewhat uncivilized species.
I hope this helps. Write again anytime.
I think I understand your question better now. Wild roses are colonizers. The roots spread aggressively so they can easily become "weedy".
Like most weeds, they are opportunists. If there is a void, they will try to fill it. This is especially true if the vacant spot has conditions that the weed finds particularly favorable. So, if your elite roses get a little more water, or have better access to fertilizer, the wild roses will be happy to step in.
The only truly detrimental effect of having them in the area is that they may compete for space, water, and nutrients. Space may be the determining factor. If they don't have enough room, they will happily encroach on your other roses.
If you don't mind having to root them out regularly, you can enjoy them. If they become a nuisance, you may decide it's time for them to go. We always refer to right plant, right place. Your rose garden may not be the right place for a somewhat uncivilized species.
I hope this helps. Write again anytime.
Hi Lynne Marie,
Thanks for the advice. I’m moving the two big wild rose bushes to a spot in my yard that has eroded to see if they can survive on their own over there, far away from my rose garden.
If they can’t I’ll start treating all wild rose sprouts as weeds.
I’m going to see how it goes.
Thanks again for your help!
Lisa C.
