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Red Leaves on New Double Knock Out Roses: Normal or Problem?

Miami, FL gardener sees red leaves on newly planted Double Knock Outs in sun/shade mix.

Normal New Growth Color

Many roses produce reddish new growth that greens up in 2-3 weeks. This is genetic, not sun/shade related.

When to Worry

If the red is intense "lipstick red," it could indicate rose rosette disease (serious, viral). Monitor: normal reddish growth turns green; rosette growth stays distorted, excessively thorny, and deep red.

Report back if color is lipstick red—otherwise, it's healthy juvenile foliage.

Roses: Reviving Struggling Knock Out Roses After Transplant; Pruning Double Knock Out Roses in a Mild Winter: Staged Approach; Restoring Bloom Size on Double Knock Out Roses: Pruning Frequency and Fertilization Schedule; Deadheading Knockout Roses: Snap, Don't Snip—And It's Optional; Troubleshooting Dying Stems on Newly Planted Double Knock Out Roses; Overhead Watering for Knock Out Roses: Why It's Acceptable and How to Do It Right; Planting Double Knock Out Roses in Atlanta: Frost Tolerance and Establishment; Green Caterpillars Eating Knock Out Rose Leaves Near Chicago; Double Knockout Roses Reacting Badly to Systemic Spray? Try a Chemical Break; New Knockout Roses: Purple Leaves and No Blooms – Transplant Sulk

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