iron chlorosis on Rose
Quick answer
If your Rose has iron chlorosis, the most likely cause is: Leaves turn pale yellow or white while the veins remain distinctly dark green. This is an iron deficiency, usually caused not by a lack of iron in the soil, but by high soil pH (alkaline) or waterlogged cold roots, which lock up the iron making it unavailable to the plant.
Start here:
- 1. Apply a chelated iron foliar spray for immediate (but temporary) green-up
- 2. Test soil pH; roses prefer a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5
Why Rose gets iron chlorosis
Rosa spp.
Leaves turn pale yellow or white while the veins remain distinctly dark green. This is an iron deficiency, usually caused not by a lack of iron in the soil, but by high soil pH (alkaline) or waterlogged cold roots, which lock up the iron making it unavailable to the plant.
How to reverse iron chlorosis on Rose
- 1
Apply a chelated iron foliar spray for immediate (but temporary) green-up
- 2
Test soil pH; roses prefer a slightly acidic pH of 6.0 to 6.5
- 3
If soil is too alkaline, lower the pH by adding agricultural sulfur or iron sulfate to the soil
- 4
Improve soil drainage if the bed stays too wet
Keep iron chlorosis off this Rose
Regularly amend the soil with acidic organic matter like pine needles, compost, or peat moss. Avoid overwatering.