Question
QUESTION: Hello! My lady bansk rose (yellow) is about 3 years old; it grows on a trellis; bloomed well this spring. Has lots of new growth (those big tall shoots); but the leaves are turning yellow and/or variegated yellow/green. We live in SE North Carolina on the coast in New Bern. I occasionally give it some "rose food" and I water it a couple times a week if we don't have rain. Wondering what's up the leaves and what do I need to do? Thank you!!

ANSWER: It sounds like your rose may have a virus problem called Rose Mosaic but it may not be. Here is a website that has some photos and can explain what it is.

http://plant-disease.ippc.orst.edu/disease.cfm?RecordID=989

But if it is the problem, don't get upset as a rose that has the vigour of Lady Banks can grow and bloom even though it has the virus. Rose virus will not spread to other rises even if you use the same clippers on another rose. It was in the rose when you got it.  Rose leaves will often turn yellow when they are under stress, even though they appear to be growing well. High heat and not enough water for the roots when hot, are two of the main causes.
If this isn't the problem then please get back to me.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks so much. It has been VERY VERY hot here of late, sothat may be the issue, too. I will make sure the area around the plant is weeded well and will give it some good mulch and food, along with watering a bit more. Any good way to determine if it is getting enough water? I read somewhere, "dig 8" down off to the side of the plant and see if the ground is wet"...is this a good determinant?

Answer
Just take your trowel and dig down alongside of the base of the rose. If the soil is damp to about 8 inches then the rose is getting enough. Another idea is to dig out a bowl shape around the base of the climber, fill it up to the brim three times with water and that should make sure it has enough. Also using a mulch of any kind and placing it all around the base is also a good idea in that the water will not evaporate as quickly.