My Red Meidiland rose is a floribunda/shrub/wannabe-groundcover rose. I would like to teach it to be a small (weeping) tree rose. It is well established...can you give me some advice on the best way to train it?
One more question - the first 3 years after I planted this wonderfully trouble-free rose, it bloomed profusely for much of the summer. For the last 3 years, it grew like crazy but with very sparse blooms in summer (excepting the spring rush). All of the current recommendations are for higher nitrogen fertilizers for roses, but it seems that something different is needed in this case. Any advice here?
Today's Photo
Tip of the Week: Don't mulch for winter too quickly
Click here for gardening help from Dennis Patton, Horticulture Agent.
November: November Garden Calendar
Meidiland Rose in Tree Form?
From my experience with this group of roses making a tree out it might be difficult. I have never seen Meidiland roses available in tree form. As a lower growing shrub rose that tends to spread I don't think it has the stem strength to make a tree form. My guess would be to have a tree form it would have to be grafted onto a more sturdy rose trunk.
It is difficult or next to impossible to change the structure of a plant. But if you want to attempt a tree form, select one branch, support in an upright position. Top at the desired height for the tree and train from there. Sounds like a lot of work but some that garden enjoy the challenge of doing the next to impossible.
Sorry to be a downer in the morning -
Dennis - Johnson County Extension