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| I have had a floribunda ("Burgundy Iceberg") in a container, for about a year now. (I know that growing in containers can be difficult (or "not recommended"), but it's my only option since we rent.) The container is approximately 15" in diameter, and 18" deep. Since planting the rose has done well, through all the seasons (i.e., both hot/dry fall and cool/wet winter). Right now it's good-sized (large beach ball-sized bush) with lush foliage that looks perfect (no fungus, no insect damage, etc.) The only problem is, the leaves are light green - lime-colored, or almost chartreuse.
Also, it went through a bloom cycle in May, but hasn't bloomed since (last year it bloomed continuously), and the blooms it did produce had virtually no fragrance, whereas last year they were strongly scented. (In fact, that's why I got it!) Any thoughts? I'm assuming there's a deficiency of some kind, but not sure what. Since the leaves have uniform color (i.e., veins don't show as darker green) I assume it's not an iron deficiency. FYI, over the last 6 weeks I've given it an infusion of compost tea twice, and Miracle-Gro bloomimg plant fertilizer once. I hesitate to do more - without your input. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Good, you know how to recognize iron deficiency (greener veins against paler background on newer growth). Overall light green, on the whole plant, os probably nitrogen deficiency. Roses use NPK in the ratio 3-1-2, so "bloom buster" fertilizers are misguided appeals to superstitions about phosphorus. The regular soluble fertilizers are better, or those for roses, or those for acid-loving plants. (Miracid and similar high-N, high-Fe fertilizers are fine for roses, up to a point.) It seems like you have given enough fertilizer to prevent deficiency, though. Possibly bark decomposing in the soil mix is "robbing" nitrogen? |
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| Does it get at least 6 hours of sun a day? Other than that (and not feeding it anymore for a long time--then try a high nitrogen food), that's all I know to do. Sometimes all that is needed is time and patience. : ) Kate |
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| Does it get at least 6 hours of sun a day? Other than that (and not feeding it anymore for a long time--then try a high nitrogen food), that's all I know to do. Sometimes all that is needed is time and patience. : ) Kate |
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| Some roses just have lighter green leaves -- that said, that really is NOT a large-enough container for Iceberg, in a mild climate, where things grow and bloom year 'round. It has probably filled up the pot with roots now. You know, Iceberg can easily grow 5 ft. tall and across, if it is healthy, and not pruned too hard. In that small pot, it's like a lady with size 6 feet squeezing into size 5 pumps with stiletto heels. What I would suggest is that you get a pot twice the size of the one you have now, and pot your rose up. Then, it's probably good for another year or so. After that, if you really want to keep it potted, you should probably give some thought to pulling it up at bare-root time, pruning the rose, and then ROOT-PRUNING it, so it will have space to re-grow. Jeri |
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| Thanks all. I had wondered about nitrogen deficiency, so when I get home I will have to check the numbers on what I've already applied. Also since it has been a year since being potted, I think you're right that I could step it up to a larger pot and see if that helps. (Oh, it does get 6+ hours of sun a day.) Cheers! |
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| I agree with Jeri. That pot is too small. I have Brilliant Pink Iceberg and it gets 5' X 5' easily each year. You need a much bigger pot to keep a rose that big happy. And as I recall the leaves on my BPI are a lighter shade of green anyway. They're not a dark glossy green at all. |
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