Why Did My Red Flower Carpet Roses Turn Pink? Soil pH and Genetic Reversion Explained

Two Main Causes

1. Soil pH shift: Acid soil can turn red roses pink or purple. Test by sprinkling garden lime around one plant; if color deepens back to red, pH is the culprit.
2. Genetic reversion (sport): The Flower Carpet series has 8 colors. A branch may revert to a parent color (often pink). If lime doesn't work, it's a sport.

What to Do

If it's a sport, the red canes won't return. If recently purchased, contact the nursery—they may replace them. Otherwise, enjoy the pink! Many gardeners prefer the softer hue.