Question
I have ~25 rose bushes and been dead heading down to the 5 leaflet.  New growth begins then the leaves dry up and fall off.  I've been watering every other day with the dry weather. Sprayed for thrips, mites, and aphids using Ortho systemic products. There's no evidence of them.  I'm using Once time release fertilizer from J&P.  Is it possible that too much fertilizer is being released?  I'm at a loss.  As an asside the roses with the problem are in the hot sun ~10 hours/day where the ones without the problem get 6-7.  I had less of the problem last year when not using  Once fertilizer but things seemed to improve once the weather cooled down.

Thank You,
Frank C.

Answer
Hi Frank,  Spraying anything in this heat will cause some problem with the new growth.....it is so delicate, unlike the weathered leaves of the rest of the bush.  Once....it is a great product; very unlikely that it is that.  I feel from what you have told me that the culprit is the heat.  Hang in there .......spray the least you possibly can and do that late or early in the coolest part of the day.Keep watering to insure the bushes don't want for water.  
More rose tips?  visit us at   www.angelique-roses.com
God bless,  j williamson