Joseph's Coat Rose Turned Red: Winter Kill and Rootstock Takeover

One of two 6-year-old 'Joseph's Coat' climbers in Louisville, KY now blooms solid crimson. Plants 5 ft apart, no chemicals, harsh snowy winter. Other bush unchanged.

Diagnosis: Rootstock Takeover After Winter Kill

'Joseph's Coat' is tender. The harsh winter killed the grafted variety. The rootstock—Dr. Huey (a hardy red climber)—survived and took over. This is common in cold climates with tender grafted roses.

Prevention for Remaining Bush

• Mound 12 inches of compost/mulch/soil around base each winter.
• Apply after ground freezes, remove gradually in spring.
• This insulates the bud union and grafted canes.

The red-flowering bush is now a Dr. Huey rose—it will only bloom once in spring. The other bush needs winter protection to preserve its multicolor blooms.