Rose Problems

Question

My Royal Highness rose leaves are turning yellow and falling off, and most of the lower foliage is gone. I do not see any black spots or signs of mildew, nor any visible insect signs. What could it be? It doesn’t sound like any of the common rose diseases I’ve read about.

Answer 1

Many things can cause yellowing of the leaves. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/yellow-rose-leaves.htm

In the meantime, keep your roses well watered but not soaking wet. Stick your finger into the dirt and if it feels moist, there is no need to water. Rinse the foliage off with water when it is cool and make sure it is gone from the foliage before the sun gets intense. Place at least a 2 inch thick by 24 inch diameter light colored mulch layer around your rose bushes. Give the roses a gallon of water with a tablespoon of Super Thrive in it every other required watering for three waterings. Once the rose bush starts to regain its foliage, sprinkle 1/3 cup of Epsom Salts around the base of each bush and water it in well. This should get things back where we want them to be.

Answer 2

Sometimes the lower leaves on a rosebush will turn yellow and fall off due to them actually being shaded by the upper leaves/foliage. It can be just a natural process the rosebush is going through. The above recommendations are good ones too, especially the Super Thrive as that works wonders on stress relief for the roses and other plants.

Stan the Roseman
Consulting Rosarian