Chlorosis would seem to be more likely if the whole plant was displaying
symptoms. I didn't see a lot of evidence myself of generalized yellowing on
the plant pictures, and I couldn't tell if there was green veining, which
is often associated with depleted iron.

That being said, I'm unaware of a disadvantage to a modest application of
chelated iron. It would adjust pH, as well as increase the available iron
level.

Jeff, Southeast Michigan, Zone 5

"Gail Futoran" wrote in message
...
wrote in message ...
Gail Futoran wrote:
wrote in message ...
I've seen my climbing roses getting yellow canes on them...one or
two....is this normal for this time of year? I'm pretty new to growing
them....it's been dry but I have been watering them once a week.....I'm
in zone 5b....any thoughts?...or am I just getting panicky.....; )

I'm not sure what you mean by yellow canes. Yellow leaves, sure, but
usually canes go from green to brown to gray over time (and even that
varies by rose type - some rose canes start out as red).
Yep....I was away for 4 days and came back and the whole 2 canes, leaves
and all...yellow....

Maybe if you mention the type of climbing roses you have, how long
they've been planted, the type of soil, other cultural conditions,
feeding schedule, we might be able to figure something out.
Not sure what type of climber it is...not a rambler for sure...it
flowered once in June..pretty pink flowers, light scent, double petals in
clusters....its planted in clay soil I amended with aged manure and
potting soil.....I planted it in '07 spring.....Ive fed it at the end of
May, June, then mid- August....its in full sun....seems to like it....

The only thing that springs to mind is too much water but since you say
it's been dry where you are, and you're only watering once per week,
that shouldn't be a problem.

Speaking of feeding, climbers are supposed to be heavy feeders (although
mine seem to do ok on my less than perfect feeding schedule). What's
your feeding schedule?

I also have a rambler in back and that one is huge as can be....soil is
the same without any issues at all....Just seems strange.....
here's a pic of climber and cane

http://www.flickr.com/photos/27757797@N02/

Nice photos!

I agree with Martin. Your climber looks a bit leached out. You seem to
have done all that's required so it's hard to judge what's wrong.

However, I'm only seeing one cane in that photo. If the one cane is only
one cane on an otherwise healthy bush, I wouldn't worry about it. But if
there's only one cane to the bush, considering that you planted this over
a year ago, I would expect more growth. Do you water well a day before
feeding? Sometimes if the plant isn't hydrated well before fertilization,
it can damage the plant. Other than that, and a soil test, I can't think
of anything else. Sometimes a rose just isn't fated to do well.

Gail