Why Are My Rose Leaves Turning Yellow?

Yellowing leaves are one of the first signs a rose gives when something isn’t quite right. It’s the plant’s way of showing stress — whether from nutrient imbalance, over-watering, or seasonal change. Understanding the cause is the first step toward restoring deep green foliage and healthy, blooming stems.

The Most Common Causes of Yellow Leaves

Nutrient Deficiency — Lack of nitrogen or magnesium is the leading cause. Lower leaves fade first, turning pale green, then yellow. Roses that flower heavily quickly exhaust available nutrients if not fed regularly.

Over-watering — Constantly damp soil limits oxygen to roots, leading to leaf drop and root rot. Allow the top few centimetres of soil to dry before watering again.

Under-watering — Dry soil interrupts nutrient uptake, causing uneven colour or crisp edges. Deep, consistent watering helps maintain even nutrient flow.

pH Imbalance — Roses prefer slightly acidic soil (around 6.0 – 6.5). When soil becomes too alkaline, iron and magnesium become unavailable, resulting in chlorosis – a yellow leaf with green veins.

Temperature Stress — Hot, dry winds or sudden cold snaps can temporarily yellow leaves. Plants usually recover once conditions stabilise.

Once the cause is identified, targeted feeding is the most effective solution to restore colour and vitality.

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Step-by-Step Fix for Yellowing Leaves

1. Check Watering Patterns: Water deeply once or twice a week instead of shallow daily watering. Ensure good drainage – roses dislike standing water around their roots.

2. Inspect Soil pH: Use a simple pH test kit. If soil is above 7, add a light acidifying agent or switch to a balanced fertiliser formulated with calcium and magnesium.

3. Feed with a Magnesium-Rich Fertiliser: Magnesium is essential for chlorophyll production. Applying
CompleteGrow Advanced NPK 4-18-38 + Calcium & Magnesium
restores green colour quickly while strengthening stems and buds. Dissolve 1 – 2 tablespoons per 4 L of water and apply around the root zone.

4. Trim Affected Foliage: Remove the most damaged leaves to redirect energy toward new growth. Within two weeks of balanced feeding, new shoots should emerge healthy and dark green.

5. Maintain a Regular Feeding Schedule: After recovery, alternate with
CompleteGrow All Purpose NPK 20-20-20
to sustain leaf strength and overall plant balance.

A consistent routine — proper watering, pH monitoring, and alternating CompleteGrow formulas — prevents future yellowing and keeps roses performing beautifully through the season.

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Preventing Yellow Leaves on Roses

• Feed every 3–4 weeks with balanced NPK fertiliser.
• Mulch to regulate soil temperature and moisture.
• Avoid overhead watering – wet leaves encourage disease.
• Prune lightly after each bloom flush to promote airflow.
• Test soil annually to maintain optimal pH and nutrient levels.

FAQs

Can yellow leaves recover?
Severely yellow leaves rarely turn green again, but new growth will emerge healthy once nutrient levels stabilise.

Should I stop fertilising until colour returns?
No. Light, balanced feeding accelerates recovery. Avoid high-nitrogen lawn fertilisers, which worsen the problem.

Do potted roses yellow faster?
Yes – limited soil and frequent watering remove nutrients quickly. Use diluted 4-18-38 every 2–3 weeks to maintain leaf colour.

Final Advice

Yellow leaves are an early warning, not a disaster. Regular feeding with
CompleteGrow Advanced NPK 4-18-38 + Calcium & Magnesium
corrects deficiencies and strengthens roses from the roots up. Combined with consistent watering and good drainage, it restores colour, vigour, and the steady rhythm of flowering that defines a healthy rose.