We've done it often.

Multiflora rootstock has a limited lifespan here, so if we HAVE to use it, we plant deep.
Planted deeply, the roses usually DO transition to own-root.

Jeri

Is the limited lifespan of multiflora rootstock a problem in other parts of the country also? I just ordered my first roses on multiflora rootstock for this coming spring. Should I be concerned--maybe plant them a bit deeper?

Kate

Thonotorose, if you plant a grafted rose deeper, it will eventually go own root. I think the problem you may have in Florida is that some areas have nematodes and a lot of roses won't survive on the wrong graft (Dr. Huey or Multiflora) or own root. Do you know if nematodes are a problem in your particular area of Florida? If so, you will need to grow most roses grafted on Fortuniana. There are Teas and Chinas that are supposed to do well own root but I'm not sure which ones they are. Maybe someone from Florida can help you with that if nematodes are a problem where you live.

Carol

Is the limited lifespan of multiflora rootstock a problem in other parts of the country also?

*** Multiflora is generally intolerant of alkaline conditions, and we are very, very alkaline.

Jeri

What Carol said. It's difficult in Florida to grow roses unless you use Fortuniana rootstock, save for a few Chinas and teas.

Thanks, Rose Buds.

Yes I know about Fort and am NOW buying everything using it or own root. According to John Starnes, we do well here with plenty of organic matter added to our area of the sand bar that is Florida. The nematodes like the sand as I understand it.

I did buy several on Dr. H or multi flora before I found this forum and wised up. Hence the question about converting to own root by burying deeper.

Also, I grow many in big pots due to toxic rubble landfill and swamp. Those are the ones I shall try to convert first by adding excellent soil to the shrunken level in their pots.

Here is a link that might be useful: A Floridian breeding roses for Florida

Have you met John?
He's not only knowledgeable -- he's a very, very nice person.

Jeri

The soil is quite variable throughout Florida, so it will depend on where you are located, and what's in your yard, as to whether you would have a nematode or other problem. Nematodes are not always the issue when it comes to rose decline in Florida, and in fact have only been implicated and not proven in many cases. There can be many other reasons for the decline, and sometimes it is not known why a rose (or other plant) has died.

I've really not had difficulty growing roses in my area of Florida (central) own root. The chinas will be the most adapted, followed by some of the teas. Modern hybrid teas should be on fortuniana, as many of them are weak growers not truly adapted to our area. Fortuniana helps "fix" that problem.
Fortuniana is the best rootstock for Florida if you want a grafted rose. Most other rootstocks will have a short life span here, but I have heard of exceptions.

On the subject of burying the graft in Florida, I have always been told not to do so or the rose will die. Some nurseries have said that the wood will rot down here, disease organisms will enter the grafted area (it is technically a wound until well healed), and that a grafted rose should never be planted any deeper than it was in the nursery pot. We have high humidity coupled with high soil temps most of the year, so the graft needs air and sunshine on it.

Sandy

Yes, I do know John slightly. We graduated from the same high school one year apart.

I have been clipping his gardening articles in the St. Petersberg Times for many years. He is very knowledgeable and very encouraging. He had one article recently telling that the roots of Cannas are edible!

Here is a link that might be useful: Starnes rose article

That was a very good article, thonotorose. Thanks.

Sherry