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Susan van Blerk of Benoni writes: I pruned my ‘Madam’s Rose’ bushes in July, expecting them to sprout lovely reddish-purple new shoots, but they are just producing small green leaves. What could be the problem?
Ludwig replies: This is a sign that the roots are desperate for food and water and is often due to root competition from nearby trees, shrubs and even perennials.
When you prune in July it is important to loosen the soil quite deeply around the roses and dig in fresh compost and other organics. This aerates the soil which may have compacted during the previous season. Compact soil deprives the roots of oxygen and maybe even water that is needed to make food for new growth. If the soil was not enriched in July, this is still a good time to do so. Water well after digging over the soil and soon new hair roots will start forming.
