Re: Grafted Vs Own Root: and the winner is?

"Jeffrey L. Kline" wrote:

>... the finial results of the grafted Vs own root battle for survival. 
> And the results may or may not be surprising...

>... During the winter of 2006 and early spring of 2007 
>I lost 9 grafted rose (about 8% of the grafted population) and 4 own root

>(about 2% of the own root population).  This would suggest that own root
is 
>tougher.

>... all lost roses were in the ground for less than a year.

Nice real world test! Good job.  This jives with all the research that
I have read about own root roses being more winter hardy.

You can really see this represented in the spring in older
neighborhoods with moderate to severe winters with the great abundance
of the root stock rose "Dr. Huey" being everywhere.  The hybrid was
winterkilled and the root survived.

Own root hardiness  will really show itself more when the roses are
fully mature.  Own root roses will be able to die back completely to
the crown and still come back.  I think you can gain at least 1 USDA
hardiness zone with a variety growing on its own roots.   The
exception to this are the relatively few hybrid varieties that have
genetically weak roots.  Those varieties must be budded onto more
vigorous root stock in order to thrive.  Trouble is you can only find
this out with a LOT of research.

I grow a lot of roses in pots, and I have observed a difference of
hardiness of about 1 1/2 USDA hardiness zones, the potted roses being
that much less hardy.  This is why I recommend moving potted roses
right up next to a heated building in the winter.

Have a good one,

Bob Bauer
http://www.rose-roses.com/