Question
I have a potted knock-out rose and the bottom leaves are
yellowing, then turning brown, then falling off.  I thought
I was under-watering it, so I began giving it about 2 cups
of water everyday, but now the water just seeps right
through the pot and out the bottom.  Am I now over-watering
it?  It has been very hot and humid this summer (90s F with
over 50% humidity) and I am keeping the bush in a shady
spot.  There have been very few blooms this summer, although
it is a new plant.  

Also, I'm planning on transplanting it to the yard this
week.  Any advise on how to transplant it without causing
anymore damage?  Should I give it rose food right after I
transplant it and water it?  Any information you can provide
would be most helpful.  Thanks!

Answer
Your Knock Out rose is re-acting to the high heat. Roses hate high heat. They don't mind warmth but not high temperatures for a long period. They go under stress and drop their leaves so they don't have to support them with nutrients and water. So no matter how much you water they don't take it up to the leaves. Keeping the bush in a shady place is a good idea. This is not the time to admire a rose as it will be at it's worst right now. Give it a good soaking with water every five days letting it dry out between waterings, no fertilizer as the rose can't use it if it is under stress. Once it returns to cooler weather you ill see the rose put out new growth an flower. This is not a good time to replant the rose especially if it is in the sun as this will probably cause more problems. If possible leaves it in the shade and wait until cooler days before you move it. Then water it well and give it some fertilizer. Because it has been through a stressful season, it may not perk up for you until the next spring.