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Yellowing Leaves on Rose Trees: Over-Fertilizing and Sun Stress

In warm climates like Cape Town, rose trees need a rest period. Constant fertilizing (Bounceback and superphosphates) pushes growth unnaturally, causing stress and leaf drop.

Correct Care

Apply only small amounts of fertilizer monthly.
Provide 5 hours of full sun; shade during hottest part of day.
Stop fertilizing; water only to let the plant recover.
If in a container, roots may be burned—repot with fresh soil.

Why This Happens

Intense sun (1 hour in Cape Town ≈ 3 hours in Pacific NW) plus excess fertilizer forces growth the plant can't sustain. Roses naturally cycle; respect their need for dormancy.

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