Pocket BotanistCheck these first
- Examine the leaves for black or brown spots.
- Feel the soil to see if it is bone dry.
- Check for signs of pests like aphids on the stems.
Likely causes
Black Spot
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see black or dark brown spots on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. This fungal disease thrives in humid, wet conditions.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Apply a fungicide labeled for roses every 7 to 14 days during damp weather.
Water Stress
Most likelyHow to tell: The leaves wilt and turn brown or yellow before dropping off. This happens when the plant goes too long without a deep soak.
What to do: Water your roses deeply every 3 to 7 days to ensure moisture reaches the deep roots. Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture.
Find out what's wrong with your 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.
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When to worry
Some leaf drop is normal in late autumn as the plant prepares for dormancy. Worry if the plant loses most of its leaves during the peak of summer.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the foliage dry by watering at the base and ensure your roses have plenty of space for air circulation.
Keep your 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.
Questions people ask
- Will my rose grow new leaves?
- Yes, if you address the underlying cause, the rose will push out new growth. It may take a few weeks for the plant to recover.
- Is leaf drop always a disease?
- Not always, as it can be a response to drought or extreme heat. Always inspect the leaves for spots to rule out fungal issues first.
More problems with Rose
- Why are there dark spots on my rose leaves?
- Why are there tiny bugs on my rose buds?
- Why are my rose leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my rose bush not producing flowers?
- Why are my rose bushes getting leggy?
- Why are my rose leaves curling up?
- Why do my rose leaves have brown tips?
- Why is my rose bush drooping?
- Why is my rose bush showing signs of root rot?
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.