Damaged graft

I have a young rose I really don't want to lose that last year was weeded a little too vigorously ... the graft union was damaged (split). Bound back together with that garden tie made of material.

It survived the summer and is now sprouting madly.
Budding would no doubt be an option but I've never done that and I don't have rootstock cuttings ready anyway.

My thought is - should I now add soil around it to cover the graft to encourage roots to strike from above the union to help stabilise the plant?

IMO, I would do this now as the plant will want to start shooting and grow new roots also, so while the sap is flowing each way is a good time. The soilyou use will have to be friable so the rots from the bud union can grow easily. If need make a box or similar so the soil stays there till the roots are established.

AutumnDamask, I think that is a good option and don't allow the rose to dry out. A weekly watering with seaweed solution will also help encourage root growth. Unfortunatly when the understock has very little on top to feed, it will most likely sucker. As the rose is young your chance of success is higher.

Would suggest you get someone in your area to show you how to graft. You can bud onto any old rose that grows roots well.

If ever in Sydney I would be happy to show you a simple method of grafting.

Thanks. Will try to get that done today.

I'll see if anyone in the local garden groups can teach me how to graft. I've got books - but I learn better by doing.

Wendy, is Goldenvale still open, the fella there should be able to show you David.

Between my big foot foot, our dogs and my son's basketball I have had to tape up quite a few broken branches, grafts etc.

All seem to repair resonably successfully.

Roses are extremely hardy plants. We have an Irish Elegance down in the garden that I though was dead. It was drowned in the rain a couple of years back and looked sick. A salvia then buried it and the poppies finished it off.

I recently cut the salvia back but did no take out the rose. It showed no life whatsoever. There was some rootsock growth out of the ground nearby which I removed but left the butt in the ground as I did not have the shovel with me.

A few weeks back I noticed some growth out of the butt which I thought was just root stock though I must have felt it was the wrong spot or something as I left it alone.

It flowered again the other day. Definately still Irish Elegance. Its looking good and now all I have to do is not try to kill it again.

Wendy, how is the patient and which method did you use

I haven't done anything yet. Been totally caught up with work and farm dramas. *sigh* I figure it's survived the last 6 mths tied together...!

Wendy.. TBH I would not do anything... if you've tied it leave it tied.. it will heal like a graft and be ok...