QA Forum

Question & Answer

We are discussing Gardening, Growing and Green Thumbs!
With Brian Walters, Diana O'Brien and Pauline Cornish

Question:
My question is about roses. I have quite a few rose bushes in the garden however there is one, a Blue Moon Climber and for some reason the leaves on this plant seem to be wilting, like the plant doesn't have enough water, but it does. What could be the problem. Thanks for your help.

Answer:
Rose wilting is caused by environmental reasons or because of diseases.

Firstly check the base of the plant to make sure it hasn't been ring barked. This can be caused by insects or if ties have cut into the bark of the shrub. Also dig around the base of the plant to make sure the soil is not too dry or too wet. Wilting is the first symptom in both cases.

If drying out is the problem it is possible to save the rose by giving extra water with the addition of seasol fertilizer. If too wet the soil will smell and drainage will need to be addressed.

Diseases that cause similar symptoms are Rose wilt or Verticillium Wilt.

* Rose Wilt is thought to be caused by a virus. Young leaves curl and wilt and defoliation occurs then die back of stems. These symptoms are most noticeable in cool conditions and often not as apparent in summer - Unfortunately the best option is to remove the plant.

* Verticillium Wilt prevents the plant from taking up water so the plant looks very stressed and wilted - Again removal is the only option.

I am sorry it is not good news. However, there are so many lovely roses out there, and I am sure you will have fun choosing a new one.

When planting new roses, do remove existing soil where the old plant has been and replace with lots of new organic matter, including compost and cow manure. The soil that is removed can be used on other areas of the garden but not on roses.

Enjoy your roses!

View answer to: prev question | next question