There are many things that can cause the browning of leaves. I always
consider three factors when figuring out these problems: environmental,
pests and diseases. Environmental factors such as a mineral defficiency
can be detected by making a soil test. Pests such as voles and gophers
come to mind and would be my best bet. Diseases such as some form of
root rot can also explain the browning of leaves.

If a thorough inspection of the bushes during the day and at night
yielded no clues and the browning of leaves is the only symptom that you
see, I would concentrate on checking below the ground. I recommend
selecting the worst looking plant and checking its root system.
Determine if some unwanted visitor has been eating the roots. If so,
take appropriate action. If not, look to see if the root system appears
healthy or if it has fungal growth. A member of a local rose society can
probably help you diagnose "healthy" root tissue if you are unsure.
Check www.ars.org for the nearest local chapter. Do not delay.

Since the plants are under obvious stress and attack of some form, I
would consider limiting the use of chemical fertilizers until a cause is
isolated. If you are currently aplpying fungicides (say, for blackspot),
continue doing so. Temporarily replace the chemical fertilizers with
liquid seaweed, fish emulsion, etc. Those products can be easily
purchased at local cahin stores or organic stores. When watering, make
sure that the soil needs water. Do not go overboard watering now and
create other problems.

Good luck!
MadDKate wrote:
Hi:

I have reading group comments for some time. You all sound very informed
about rose problems and the group has helped a lot without knowing it. Now
I have a problem that I have not seen mentioned.
Many of my roses are turning brown from the bottom up end nothing seems to
stop it. They are being watered. This sort of blight is now spreading to
other plants. I have tried pruning, but it only seems to slow down the
problem.

-- Kathleen


================================================== ====
Interested in refinancing? But you've been putting it off because you don't
want the hassle of filling out long complicated forms. Then click below.
No hassle. No pop-ups. Easy - QUICK - No Nonsense Answers
https://www.secure-loanbridgefinanci...Shortform?ante

"Marina" wrote in message
...

On 22 Jun 2004 07:09:57 -0700, (cat4554) wrote:


Is there a climber and / or ground cover rose bush that blooms all

summer?

I prefer a pink color. Not much luck with climber "Eden" and ground

cover

"Electric Blanket".

I've just chosen Rosarium Uetersen as a repeat
bloomer/climber/fragrant/pink - don't yet know how they'll fare as
they've just been planted this year but they arrived in nice condition
from Ashdown Roses.