Question
I live in South Florida, USA

I have a bachlors degree in ornamental Horticulture but have little experience with roses. My wife and I have just receintly decided to make a nice sitting area/rose garden. We went to a local rose nursery and purchased several roses. One in particular, "cryselar Imperial" the leaves are getting specalled yellow then turning more yellow and finallay drop off at the slightest touch. There is no sign of black spot or any other apparent disease. Any possible solutions?

Thanks,
Bo Nye

Answer
Because you bought the roses at a local nursery, I am assuming that they are are budded onto a fortuniana understock as any other won't do well in Florida. Roses hate to be disturbed and transplanting is a form of disturbance. Dropping yellow leaves can be caused by disturbing the roots. It is really too soon to be concerned as roses, once they settle in, can then start to put out normall leaves. Just keep watering and in a couple of weeks you should see fresh healthy growth. Chrysler Imperial is a very old hybrid tea and has come to the end of it's commercial life so it won't tolerate much. Hope this helps. Lynnette