Three Roses All Turned Red – Rootstock Reversion

Three Roses All Turned Red – Rootstock Reversion

All three roses (orange, peach, orange-red) reverting to red indicates winter kill of the grafted varieties, with Dr. Huey rootstock (red climber) taking over.

Why This Happens

• Grafted roses combine a beautiful but tender top with hardy roots.
• Severe winter kills the top; roots survive and bloom.
• Dr. Huey is the most common rootstock – red, semi-double, vigorous.

Prevention

• Heavy winter mulching over graft union.
• Burlap wrapping in extreme zones.
• Choose own-root roses when available.
• Monitor for suckers (growth below graft) and remove immediately.

This is a common, disappointing experience – but preventable with winter protection.