Rootstock for the Pacific NW.

General Discussion
1

I am wondering what rootstock is best in the PNW. I’ve read that fortuniana is superiorin Florida / Arizona and in sandy soils. What is used in PNW? Would own-root be better here? Thanks, Robyn

2

Robyn,

Probably the best rootstock to use here in the PNW is R. multiflora. The most common we see here is the Dr.Huey which is on most roses that come from California.

3

Thanks John. I just read some articles on Fortuniana on www.MerryGrow.com . They have contracted with Jackson and Perkins to grow roses on Fortuniana. Robyn

4

Multiflora and own-root.

5

I doubt if fortuniana will do well here. From what we have heard, it is more for the sandy soils in a warm climate. It is a very vigorous rootstock in that the roots can grow out many feet from the bush. Very tender in that regard.

6

My soil here along the Stillaguamish river is ALL sand. Do you still use the “man made soil”? :slight_smile: Robyn

7

Robyn,

From what I have heard, it is just too cold for this rootstock to thrive in WA!

8

I think it would survive here in Portland metro but… I dont think that the root tips could plow through the soil here unless it was all ripped out and replaced. Even great soil here is very, very heavy and I do not want to go on about how many rocks Ive pulled out of the ground over the years =)The only usage I see for it here, over Rosa multiflora, is for certain grafts on cultivars like Gold Medal, Circus, Lynn Anderson and Queen Charolette that absolutely resent the really wet winter soil when grafted yet do really well own-root.

9

Robyn,

The rose industry is struggling to get away from producing roses on a foreign rootstock these days, which is a positive trend in my opinion. Not only does it help free us from trouble with suckers and viruses, but it means that breeders will place more emphasis on selecting seedlings that perform well on their own roots. Personally, I think that placing a great deal of emphasis on working with understocks is going in the wrong direction.

That said, if you must work with an understock for any reason, I would think seed grown R. multiflora would be the choice for you. Fortuniana is too tender for all but the milder of climes. And then there’s Dr. Huey, of which the less we say, the better. :wink:

Paul