Diagnosing and Treating Common Rose Nutrient Deficiencies

Mature Leaf Sets Affected

If symptoms appear primarily on mature leaf sets—those on stems already bearing blooms—consult the following guide to identify which nutrient your rose lacks.

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Nitrogen Deficiency

Leaves turn a lighter green to yellow, often with random leaf spots. If soil pH is too acidic (5.8 or lower), apply lime (¼ to ½ cup per bush). If pH is adequate, fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer (1 to 2 tablespoons per bush).

Phosphorus Deficiency

Leaves become dark green, developing dark red and purple colors, mainly within the leaf (colors can also spread to outer edges). If soil is too acidic, apply lime. If pH is okay, fertilize with a high-phosphorus fertilizer (20%), 1 to 2 tablespoons per bush.

Potassium Deficiency

Dead tissue appears mainly at leaf edges. If soil is too acidic, apply lime. If soil pH is okay, feed with 2 tablespoons per gallon of potassium nitrate.

Zinc Deficiency

Large areas of dead tissue at leaf tips and between veins. Apply lime to correct pH. If pH is okay, apply zinc chelate (1 teaspoon per bush).

Magnesium Deficiency

Yellowing starts from the center of the leaf, with signs of dying tissue overlaying affected parts. Apply Epsom salts, ½ cup sprinkled around the base of each bush.

Emerging Foliage Affected

If symptoms are localized to emerging foliage, use this guide to determine the cause and treatment. Shown at right is an example of healthy emerging foliage, with normally purplish leaves on stems that do not yet have mature blooms.

Calcium Deficiency

Young leaves are hooked. Apply calcium nitrate (1 to 2 tablespoons per bush per week) until corrected.

Boron Deficiency

Young leaves are light green at the base and twisted. Apply 1 teaspoon Borax per bush.

Copper Deficiency

Young leaves are permanently wilted with no chlorosis (yellowing). Apply copper sulfate (¼ teaspoon per bush).

Sulfur Deficiency

Leaves are light green with lighter-green veins. Apply soil sulfur (2 tablespoons per bush) or a fertilizer containing sulfur.

Iron Deficiency

Leaves turn yellow with principal veins remaining light green. Use iron chelate (¼ teaspoon per bush) for immediate correction; iron sulfate takes longer to act.