Curling leaves on climbing rose - Ask Extension
Why are the leaves on my Zephirine Drouhin climbing rose curling. I planted it about 1-1/2 months ago. I’m not seeing any pests.
Knowledgebase
Curling leaves on climbing rose #875393
Asked June 30, 2024, 6:57 PM EDT
Why are the leaves on my Zephirine Drouhin climbing rose curling. I planted it about 1-1/2 months ago. I’m not seeing any pests.
Marion County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Kathy Joy,
Thank you for contacting us about your new rose. Curling leaves can be a sign of transplant shock, pests, or a nutrient deficiency.
Since you recently planted this rose, the most likely reason is transplant shock. Keep your plant mulched and continue to water the rose once or twice a week, very slowly. (Allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.) A drip system or soaker hose is best.
Do not fertilize other than to apply finished compost. Fertilizer forces new growth and this will further stress your plant. Keep watch for pests such as aphids or mites. These guys love tender new growth.
If your plant does not improve over the next couple of months, please write back as a reply to this email and I'll be happy to try to assist you.
Thank you for contacting us about your new rose. Curling leaves can be a sign of transplant shock, pests, or a nutrient deficiency.
Since you recently planted this rose, the most likely reason is transplant shock. Keep your plant mulched and continue to water the rose once or twice a week, very slowly. (Allow the top 2 or 3 inches of soil to dry before watering again.) A drip system or soaker hose is best.
Do not fertilize other than to apply finished compost. Fertilizer forces new growth and this will further stress your plant. Keep watch for pests such as aphids or mites. These guys love tender new growth.
If your plant does not improve over the next couple of months, please write back as a reply to this email and I'll be happy to try to assist you.
Here are some follow up pictures. Is this evidence of aphids shedding?
Dear Kathy Joy,
Thanks for the additional photos. I can't be sure but they could be evidence of aphids along with the curling leaves. The PNW Handbook on Pest Management offers the following information with respect to aphids:
Wash aphids from woody plants with a strong stream of water or by wiping the aphids off a stem or leaf by hand. Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants fertilized liberally with nitrogen or heavily watered, so avoid practices that produce flushes of succulent growth.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have a gardening question.
Thanks for the additional photos. I can't be sure but they could be evidence of aphids along with the curling leaves. The PNW Handbook on Pest Management offers the following information with respect to aphids:
Wash aphids from woody plants with a strong stream of water or by wiping the aphids off a stem or leaf by hand. Aphid populations tend to be higher in plants fertilized liberally with nitrogen or heavily watered, so avoid practices that produce flushes of succulent growth.
I hope this information is helpful. Please write again any time you have a gardening question.
