Will my rose grow back if it loses all its leaves?

If the cause is a fungal issue like mildew, it will likely recover with treatment. If it is Rose Rosette, the plant will not recover.

Should I fertilize a rose that is losing leaves?

Avoid fertilizing until you have identified and treated the cause. Adding fertilizer to a stressed plant can sometimes make the situation worse.

Multiflora rose: leaf drop, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for a white powdery substance on the foliage.
Inspect new growth for abnormal red, clustered, or distorted stems.
Check if the fallen leaves show any spots or discoloration.

Likely causes

Powdery Mildew
Most likely
How to tell: You will see a white, dusty coating on the leaves followed by yellowing and premature leaf fall.
What to do: Improve air circulation by thinning out crowded branches. Apply a neem oil spray or a fungicide labeled for roses every 7 to 14 days until the infection clears.
Rose Rosette Disease
Possible
How to tell: The plant shows distorted, red, witch's broom growth and the leaves may drop as the plant weakens.
What to do: There is no cure for this viral disease. You must remove and destroy the entire plant, including the roots, to prevent it from spreading to other roses.

Find out what's wrong with your multiflora rose

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see the telltale signs of Rose Rosette Disease, it is a serious issue that requires immediate removal. It is normal for a few old leaves to drop at the end of the season.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your rose clean of debris and ensure it has plenty of space for airflow.

Keep your multiflora rose healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will my rose grow back if it loses all its leaves?: If the cause is a fungal issue like mildew, it will likely recover with treatment. If it is Rose Rosette, the plant will not recover.
Should I fertilize a rose that is losing leaves?: Avoid fertilizing until you have identified and treated the cause. Adding fertilizer to a stressed plant can sometimes make the situation worse.

Why is my multiflora rose losing its leaves?