Saving My Roses

Question

I was listening to Heather Rhodes last night on the radio show, and she mentioned that Stan the Rose Man would love nothing more to help me with my sad, pathetic, lop-sided roses. We recently moved into a home with three roses bushes out front. I’ve always loved roses, but have no idea what to do with mine. As such, I took several detailed photographs to try an show just what is going on. It looks as though several of the leaves have small holes in them, and some of them even seem to have a white “charred flesh” type of texture on them. They also have several dead heads, which I think should be pruned in some manner. To further my embarrassment, one bud had flowered as we were moving it. I enjoyed it for a day before the petals suddenly dropped off. Over all, the stalks seem thick and green and healthy. They also have a good coating of thorns. I would truly love any help or advice that could be provided to me. I can only hope one day that my poor sad little bushes give me some blossoms! Lisa

Answer 1

Hi Lisa! Stan The Rose Man Here. I would give all of your rosebushes some Bayer Tree and Shrub granules as listed on the label for ornamentals. That will take care of the bugs or worms making holes in the leaves. The white chaulky stuff on some of the leaves sounds like Powdery Mildew to me. For that I use an Earth Friendly product called Green Cure, I have found nothing better for getting rid of Powdery Mildew and other fungal diseases. I get mine from Planet Natural On-line. Just google planet natural and then once on their site search for green cure. Yes most rosebushes do need to be dead headed to keep blooming, unless they are Knockout or Home Run rosebushes, then you do not need to deadhead them. Here is a link to an article I wrote on deadheading >> https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/rose-deadheading.htm

The rose that you moved that had bloomed and then the petals all fell off is a common display that the rosebush was in transplant shock and stress. I mix a product called Super Thrive and a good root stimulator in the same large watering can, then give the rosebush at least a gallon of that mix. Do so every five days for three applications. It goes a long way in helping the rosebush get its roots going well and get over the shock and stress. Please visit my personal website too and see my articles and photos there. Feel free to email me with further questions.

Stan The Rose Man
Consulting Rosarian
American Rose Society