Question
I live in NM. I have 2 climbing roses in large containers. They had loads of flowers in May. Then all the flowers went away and 1 week ago many of the leaves suddenly turned yellow and are now dead. I just noticed the bark is peeling off the main stock a couple of inches above ground level and there is some white stuff on the undersides of the bark. Any clues?

Answer
WHat you describe is not a good sign.  The peeling bark is not good as it contains the water conducting tissue.  The white growth underneath is a fungus.  A disease called oak root rot which is caused by a fungus can affect many plants including roses.  Most of the time the disease is terminal and there is no cure.  I am afraid the plant may eventually die.  All you can do is keep it watered and hope that it over comes the problem on its own.  Sorry for the gloom and doom, but there is nothing to do for that disease.  Good Luck.