Q.new stem on rose bush has white leaves
I have one new stem on my rose bush that has white leaves. My rose bush is healthy and doesn’t have powdery mildew, RMV, or anything else that I can find wrong. However, one of the new stems is producing predominantly white leaves. I have never seen this before on any rose bush and am wondering what causes this since all the other leaves are green, just that one stem.
It sounds like you have done your homework on checking the rosebush out for any disease related issues. That being said, there are some strange things that happen in nature. Such as white buffalom and white deer being born to typically normal parent animals. I suspect what you have is a genetic thing going on with your rosebush. Since only one cane and its foliage are effected. The white cane and leaves or even just the foliage will likely be more susceptible to disease. It may also display some problems dealing with the sun when the weather turns real hot. I would take plenty of pictures of it. Keep track of when the photos were taken and any changes you notice as time goes on. If buds form upon that cane, and they do bloom, take lots of pictures of the bloom. Also note any differences between that bloom and others on the same bush. I would love to see the photos and read your journal on this if you do not mind sharing it. Thanks so much for posting this question. I look forward to seeing and reading more on it!
Here is a link to a great article on another abnormality with roses: http://fpms.ucdavis.edu/websitepdfs/articles/rosephyllodyarticle081904.pdf
Stan The Rose Man
Consulting Rosarian
Gardening Know How
