Problem with rose bush

by Kristie
(Hahira, GA)

I can't identify what is on my Rose Bush. I had just planted it about 2 weeks ago. I was watering in every 1-2 days because we are in a drought. I saw a few yellow leaves and did not think anything about it, until I noticed a whole "limb" about 6" was dying. I looked close and there was what looks like small seashells on the limb. There was big ones and little ones, all the same shape-like a conche shell. They are soft though and when mashed have a peach colored material inside. I had this plant on my deck in a pot since getting it for Mother's day and it was pretty and bloomed 2-3 times, I finally broke down and put it own in the yard and it seems to be dying, I feel bad, please help me save my rose bush, it was a gift. Thank you.

Doug says that "small seashells" sounds suspiciously like snails. And they'd be eating the leaves and having a good time doing so. You can knock them off with a very strong jet of water. The dead cane on planting is likely transplant shock or trauma from being moved or windblown (cracked the stem) and it happens.

Roses in pots require specialized car and feeding and there are articles on this page.

Roses in the ground love to be pampered and fed with compost and fish emulsion fertilizer.

Seeing as how it is fall and we're looking to harden off the plants now, (no feeding) I wouldn't be overly concerned about the plant. Let it overwinter in the ground and then start regular care and feeding (see articles on the rose pages) next spring when it starts to regrow.