Someone else more knowledgeable about the zone issue will have to chime in there.

A few thoughts:

1. Check that the soil isn't holding too much water or drying out too much.

2. You may need a soil test to accurately identify what might be missing in your soil.

3. Even if there is no indication of blackspot doesn't mean you don't have it. No leaves makes me suspicious that you do. I would suspect that these roses would require a regular spraying with a fungicide (meaning every week - 2 weeks depending on the product). You don't say which fungicide that you used, please tell us. There is a chance that you have spider mites, you can tell if on the undersides of what leaves you have there are little specks that look like pepper.

4. Once a season fertilizing might not be enough. Try adding an organic-based fertilizer such as Espoma Rose Tone, applied once a month from right after pruning until August.

It might sound strange, but any really, really tiny stems should be removed. Minis take at most 2 seasons to become productive. So, either these plants are just not good, or the rose isn't good for your area (just because you bought them locally doesn't mean that they are good for you) or they just need some additional care.

Oh, do you have rabbits?

diane nj,
Thanks for the response! So sorry I haven't been on for a while, I've had the flu.

I called J Perkins and spoke with someone there, again, about this problem. They are not aware of any problem with the mini Feisty rose. They suggested I have my soil tested. I am sending out soil samples this week and will anxiously await the results. They have offered to replace the roses if the soil testing and amending (if needed) does not work. I told them I would be happy to send them one or more for them to see the roses in person but they said it was not necessary at this time.

In answer to your questions, I think the soil quality is good, at least by appearances. The soil in the bed is newer, from bags, and doesn't seem to hold too little or much water. The other plants in the bed seem to be doing well.

I am quite sure I don't have spider mites, there are no pepper spots (I've seen them before) anywhere near these roses. I used two different kinds of fungicide sprays, one in a seafoam green bottle from Home Depot (can't think of the name) and the other was a Bayer brand. I don't have the bottles anymore because I used it all up last summer.

I am familiar with the fertilizer, I'll give it a try, as long as my soil test results allow it. I've tried other products from this company with great results so maybe this is what I need!

J Perkins says the roses should be about 2 - 3 foot tall by now and full looking so there's definately something wrong. I'm trying to be patient but after so many years it's getting tough! :)

Nope, no rabbits! Our worst pests here are Japanese Beetles but they don't seem to bother with these roses. They sure love the fragrant antique roses though! If you have any tips on that I'd REALLY love to hear them, it's our biggest problem! They eat up the buds before they ever get a chance to bloom, and besides they're just plain disgusting!

G.O.

GO,

I have a Feisty, and it's the same way. I've had it for 3 years. The soil in that bed is like chocolate cake. Well amended with lots of organics. I've resigned myself to the idea that it's just going to be a tiny rose bush.

Deanna