I killed it! ...again

[HyperFerret]

Well, I tried again and again I failed. Miniature Roses, oh how I love them ... if only they loved me.

First Round *ding-ding*: Two years ago I bought two baby Miniature Rose bushes from Lowes and planted them on either side of the sidewalk. Well, I totally didn't know what I was doing so I just stuck them in the ground. Oops. First rain fall, they got a free diving lesson. The water was well over 2 inches above the top of each plant. They died.

Second Round *ding-ding*: Last year I brought home 3 or 4 of them. But when I got them Walmart had already neglected them and they were in Horrible shape. I mean BAD shape. Lengthy, straggly, not much foliage. My green thumb is pretty much black and I couldn't revive them. They died.

Third Round *ding-ding*: Last week I bought ONE Miniature Rose bush. And I bought it early enough with it being in better health I thought maybe I'd have a chance. I thought wrong. It's die-ING. Perhaps it can be saved?

Now that I've become a serial killer of Miniature Roses I thought I'd come to you guys to see if there's a way to save this one. Shortly after I brought it home all the roses dried out, even the blooms that were not yet opened. I thought that maybe it didn't have enough water. (gulp) I think I over watered it. *Hangs head in shame* Did I just cause root rot?

Last couple of days here it's been sunny and warm. After realising that I probably over watered it I've been taking it out during the day and bringing it back in for the night. I was hoping the sun light would dry it's soil as well as help it hang onto life.

I'm planing on planting it outside but it's not warm enough yet. Our weather keeps going back and forth from cold to hot. Later on today I'm going to replace all the soil with Miracle Grow soil. Also wanted to ask: Two years ago I also bought rose food, "Miracle-Gro Rose Slow Release Plant Food". I still have basically a completely filled bottle. Is the Rose food still good? What made all roses dry out before any of the black appeared and before I over watered it? It was like I was growing a plant that produced paper roses - lol. So, is there anything I can do or is it too late?

Here's what it looked like when I brought it home: (Pics taken inside)

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics004.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics009.jpg[/img]

Here's how it looks today: (Pics taken outside)

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics010.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics001.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics004-1.jpg[/img]

[img]https://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p154/HyperFerret3/Green%20Thumb/pics005.jpg[/img]

[JPIXI]

Hello HyperFerret,

First of all, I must say I love your sense of humor.

I wonder, where you have bought your mini roses? Try not to buy from supermarket or large distribution chain as they all purchase from Holland where these plants are brought up by hyper heavy fertilizing to push luscious foliage and flowers at point of sales.The problem here is, these plants have very short lifespan as we household gardeners are not able to sustain the high level of fertilizing they are used to. Therefore, the next time when you see very nice plants, make sure you find out their origins.

Some mini roses are very resistance and hardy, you should make sure researches to find out which are the ones that might suit your region better.

Lastly, make sure your roses have good drainage soil and do not allow water to stand.

HyperFerret you are not a serial killer, those heartless merchans who only think of their profits are the real serial killers.

Amitié,
Pixi