Planting Depth for Grafted Roses & Replanting in Old Rose Soil

Philip asked about bud union planting depth and replanting in former rose beds. Jay's standards:

Bud Union Depth

• Plant 3 inches below soil level.
• Protects graft from severe cold.
• Eliminates need for winter mounding in mild climates.

Replanting in Old Rose Soil (Replant Disease)

1. Remove 1 bushel of old soil per hole.
2. Replace with soil from non-rose area of garden.
3. Rose roots emit compounds causing dieback in new roses (allelopathy).
4. Philip's method (rotted manure + loam + mycorrhizal fungi) is excellent.

Scientific note: "Rose sickness" is real—soil microbiome changes hinder new roses.