When rose leaves are turning yellow, it can really set off alarms for plant owners of all skill levels.
Yellow leaves are a concerning sign that something might be wrong with your plant.
We will explore 7 reasons why the rose leaves are turning yellow and discuss ways to prevent and treat the problem.
From environmental factors to disease, we’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your roses healthy and thriving.
7 Reasons Why The Rose Leaves Are Turning Yellow
1. Transplant Shock
Transplant shock is a term used to describe the stress that the shrub undergoes in a newly transplanted rose bush.
It causes the plant to insufficiently root into the soil, resulting in a poorly established plant.
Transplant shock is exacerbated by insufficient water levels.
A plant that has not been properly established lacks a robust root system to support itself. This can lead to increased stress when the soil is dry.
One of the most common signs of stress is when your rose leaves are turning yellow.
To avoid transplant shock, keep the soil uniformly moist for the first few weeks after planting your roses.
This will help the roses to become well-established in their new environment and reduce stress on the plant.
Give your roses a deep watering, allowing the water to permeate deep into the soil.
This will help give your roses the chance to grow a complex, fortified root system that won’t be as reliant on you for frequent watering.
2. Oxygen Intake Reduced
A lack of oxygen intake can be caused by both overwatering and/or compacted soil mixture.
In both situations, the roots can become suffocated and therefore cuts off oxygen to the roots.
Keep in mind that air circulation is one of the key components of a healthy root system.
The best way to ensure your plants have a steady stream of oxygen is by planting your roses in soil that is loamy and well-draining.
In addition, it is also helpful to implement proper watering techniques so as not to unintentionally overwater your roses.
The soil should be uniformly moist, but not waterlogged.
For established rose shrubs, we recommend waiting until the first few inches of soil have dried up before watering your roses again.
3. pH and Iron Deficiency
Both pH and iron deficiency go hand-in-hand with one another.
When the pH level of the soil is too high, it can lead to iron deficiency, which results in your rose leaves turning yellow.
Roses require a pH level that is around 6.5, which is slightly acidic to neutral.
If you’re unsure of what the soil pH of your garden is, then we suggest you perform an acidity test to get an accurate reading.
If the pH level seems to be the issue, then you can use soil amendments to lower the pH to a more suitable level.
Adding elemental sulfur, sulfuric acid, or aluminum sulfate will help acidify soil that is too alkaline.
4. Light Deficiency
Insufficient lighting is another prominent cause of your rose leaves turning yellow.
For the most part, roses thrive on sunlight and should have a full day’s worth of light (unless otherwise specified).
When these shrubs don’t have enough light, it can severely hinder the growth pattern of the rose bush.
To prevent this incident from occurring, you should take careful consideration as to choosing the location where you will plant your roses.
Carefully observe your possible planting location to determine how much sunlight each area receives.
You want to wait for at least 6 hours a day of sunlight in order to ensure healthy roses.
5. Compact Soil Mix
A compacted soil mixture can be a factor in causing yellow leaves.
When a rose shrub is planted in soil that is heavy or clay-based, it can cause the soil to become too compact.
This heavy soil makes it difficult for roots to form and develop, causing the plants’ growth to become stifled and the leaves to turn yellow.
In order to prevent compacted soil in the future and have the best soil for roses, it is recommended to amend the soil with well-draining materials, such as sand or perlite.
The increase of drainage will lighten the soil and allow the roots to grow with ease, thereby reducing the appearance of yellow leaves.
6. Fungal Attack
Fungal diseases (most notably, black spots), can be a leading cause of your rose leaves turning yellow.
These fungal diseases come with other visual symptoms, such as black spots on rose leaves, but in the late stages, the leaves can turn yellow and drop off from the plant.
The easiest way to prevent fungal infections is by reducing excess moisture and increasing air circulation.
It is best to water your plants from the bottom and avoid overhead watering, which causes wet foliage.
In addition, yearly pruning of your plants increases airflow between branches.
7. Leaf Life
Sometimes leaves can simply turn yellow due to time and it may be the lifecycle of your leaves, especially in the fall and winter when your rose shrubs become dormant.
There is not much to do in this situation aside from providing your roses with the same excellent care you’ve been giving them all year.
Overwinter your rose shrubs as winter approaches and when the spring comes around, give your roses a good pruning to shed the plant of any dead/damaged foliage from the year before.
Treatment Of Yellow Leaves On Roses
To treat yellow leaves on roses, first identify the underlying cause.
If a nutrient deficiency causes the yellowing, apply a fertilizer specifically formulated for roses.
If a disease such as black spots causes the yellowing, use a fungicide.
Proper watering and pruning techniques also promote healthy growth and prevent yellow leaves from forming.
Depending on the reason behind the yellow leaves, you should care for your rose plant accordingly.
In addition, all yellow leaves should be removed, as they can be a hinderance to the future rehabilitation of your plant.
FAQ
Can yellow leaves turn green again?
Unfortunately, it is very unlikely for yellow leaves to turn green again. Yellowing is a sign that the leaf is dying and it is soon to fall off.
Should yellow rose leaves be removed?
Yes, as we’ve discussed previously, yellow leaves are bound to fall from the shrub eventually and should be removed. Removing yellow leaves will help allow your plant to regrow new, healthy leaves.
Conclusion
Finding yellow leaves on your rose shrubs can come as a shock to many devoted plant owners, especially when there are so many reasons as to why leaves turn yellow in the first place.
Luckily, we’re here with the answers to help you navigate caring for your roses.
