There is probably no scientific research to back it up, which of course in itself does not mean the theory is not sound. I do pile soil on roses that I want more break. I think it works, but it could be just that the roses would do it with or without that extra soil. It does no harm and why not give it a try.

farnerduck: thank you for the encouragement! I will go ahead and do it tomorrow. By the way when browsing on GW I saw a picture of your rose Laguna. Breathtakingly beautiful in color and growth. I had never heard of that rose but I do want to get it. Do you still grow it and is it fragrant? very fragrant?

Thank you for complimenting my Laguna. Yes, I do still have it and love it. It is an essentially a flower wall when it is in bloom. I have year-round allergy and cannot really tell how strongly scented it is. But it is fragrant.

But it is very very thorny and incredibly vigorous. Give it lots and lots of real estate

OMG farmerduck so sorry for your allergies, so sorry. Just saying: I used to suffer from allergies to a point where I did not have a life anymore. Medicine upon medicine was not doing much. Then I took up meditation 1 to 2 hours every single day. After two years of this my allergies (and migraines) have vanished. For 9 years never had a single episode. Some how calmed something down in my body. Just sharing. I understand what you have. Thanks for the tip about Laguna. I do have a big spot. Does it like a lot of sun? Does it repeat for you? Sorry for so many questions.