Question
We have several roses in our yard, that I have planted this year.  I have one bush that bloomed out, then the leaves turned yellow & have developed black spots on them.  I had transplanted this rose bush while it had blooms on it. Is this just stress or something more serious & can it be fixed?
               Thanks
               Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry-

Well, it probably was transplant shock.  One of the things the rose experts say you must do when you transplant a rose is prune it real low before you transplant.  You didn't mention the type of rose, but it sounds like it is a modern rose since it is susceptible to blackspot. I would spray it with a fungicide and then use a granulated fertilizer which is slow release.  Try to be patient.  It might take a couple months for this rose to bounce back.  Water at least once a week during the spring.  If the blackspot disease gets real bad - if this is a hybrid tea - you could prune it down about 1 ft. high from the ground (or six inches above the bud-graft union). This will reduce the stress on the plant because right now it is trying to re-establish its root system, and it is struggling to do that, while maintaining all the foliage and blooms.

Thanks,

Carlene
aka the Flowerlady