Help! I know nothing about roses, but I am trying to keep the 2 rosebushes alive that are at my office. I don't know what kind they are. I trim them a little each year, and they do bloom quite well, but they just don't ever seem healthy. The leaves now appear wilted, turned down on the ends, and discolored. I don't see any pests, but I don't know what to look for.
I don't feed them regularly, so I know that could be a problem. They are getting adequate water. I pruned them heavily in February, but may be I should have wacked them back alot more. I took about 1/3 off. I live in central/east TX. Help!

Hello, what I'm seeing is what I think is a nutrition problem. Roses are heavy feeders. Roses should be watered once a week, deeply, if there is no rainfall. They also need at least 6 to 8 hours a day to bloom and grow well. These seem to be hybrid teas, as best as I can tell, and February is the right time in this area to cut back, but 2/3 back is better. The wilting is caused by underwatering, I am thinking. Hasn't it been very hot where you are lately? I would give them a good, long drink, wait to see if they perk up, then use a fertilizer blended specially for roses.

Our temperatures have recently hit the daily 90s and, although the weather man hit the pause button, they will turn into daily 90s by month end. Make sure that the roses are prepared for this by getting rid of some of the weeds, adding some organic mulch (no rocks) and keeping the soil as evenly moist as you can (no periods of dry soil, wet soil, dry soil again, etc.). Increase the amount of water per waterings soon. Then ratchet it up some more when we hit the daily 100s. When cooler temps arrive, reverse the process.

In May-June, keep an eye also for aphids.

with Luis. He's given me much needed information about other plants. He's very knowledgeable.

Thank you all! Yes, it has recently gotten warm here. Can I prune a little?

I thought you already said you had pruned them?

This time of year I don't do any hard pruning, it's mostly deadheading.

OK, I bought rose food and will water more and dead head. At this stage, should I follow the instructions on the label (It;s Scott's granules, is that OK?), or feed more? I also want to make sure I understood the watering - keep evenly moist and don't let the soil dry out? The bushes are mulched heavily. I am hoping to send you some nice photos soon!
Thanks so much!
Janet

Water before you fertilize then water again right after. Never exceed to amount of fertilizer recommended on the label.

Thanks!!! Is there another rose food you like better?

Basics like organic compost and composted manure should work. Organics like cottonseed meal too. The number of fertilizers and amounts will depend on whether one is growing to participate in a rose competition or not. If not, keep it simple.

https://www.rose.org/single-po...

thanks!