Hello all,
Somthing is up with my purple pavement rugosa rose.
It was flourishing just fine but over the last month more and more of its leave are turning brown and falling off.
Zone 7b
5 gallon pot planted may
consistent watering
6plus hours of sun
Sand, perlite, happy frog soil mix

Any thoughts?

You have some really dark canes. Could it be rose canker?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

Mustbnuts said:You have some really dark canes. Could it be rose canker?
https://www.gardeningknowhow.c...

That's a good possibility. It's weird because it has been so hot and generally that occurs in the cold but it's not impossible that the plant came with it. It's also a bit strange that it was flourishing and then suddenly started doing this when the cans have been that color since I got it. I'll do a little bit more research but thank you so much for the direction

It has been hotter than blazes here. Practically over 105 F each day plus humidity. I am noticing canker on my roses as well. Weird to get it this time of year but given the year, anything is possible.

So update. The leaves have some fungus and the cicadas damaged the canes thus the sudden leaf die off mid/late summer here. However, since I could not find any info and seen limited photos of rugosa canes online I talked to a garden expert here and learned that rugosa canes get dark as they mature. Thus why all the ones at the nursery where that way. Not to say a few may not be ill but over all the canes look that way naturally. I pruned one off inspected it and took it in. Pith was clean and fresh. I also learned that rugosas hate fertilizer so that may also be damaging the leaves and roots.