Question
Hi! I'm in zone 7b (upper SC). I purchased 4 dbl knock outs a couple weeks
ago. Almost immediately, they drooped and seemed to turn almost grayish. I
was told to water them every day - sometimes twice a day (we're in a heat
wave) for two weeks until they become established. It's been two weeks, but
with upper 90 temps I've watered every day. Some of the leaves on the roses
have turned brown. Can you tell me how I can determine whether or not I am
overwatering or underwatering now that the two weeks is coming to an end? I
am using the highest quality landscape fabric with mulch - they are in full
sun.  Thanks so much!

Answer
I am assuming that the roses were already in pots when you planted them. If they were then the roots will be okay it is just the tops that are under stress. Roses hate to be transplanted at anytime and especially when it is very hot so I would except a lot of complaining from them. Just take a trowel and dig down alongside of the rose and if it is damp to about 6 inches down, then you are watering correctly. Constant watering doesn't really help as you have already put a mulch around them and that will keep the soil damp.Once a day watering to keep the soil damp is all that is needed. You will have to expect problems in the high heat with new roses. The reason the leaves turn brown is probably because they were not used to the sun and got sun scaled. I would expect that in high temperatures, the leaves will come back normally when it cools down. They aren't going to die just in a snit.