A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 Miniature rose is dying!?

I have a miniature rose potted with a clematis and some ground covers. It has been doing very well until a few days ago. Suddenly, after a heavy rainstorm, the leaves are shriveling and dying, although it is still in bloom. A few of the leaves show insect damage but not more than it has been all summer. I have been feeding it rose food regularly. The conditions under which I have been caring for it haven't changed but my beautiful bush appears to be dying. I have pruned back some of the most effected branches but am wondering what else I can do.

Hi Cricket.
I hear you are having trouble with mini roses.I am in Canada and have nini roses about 24. I have mine planted in the flower beds. I am not sure but I think you are fertilizing to often. I just do that every two weeks with a rose fertilizer. For the bugs I use cygon 2e mixed in water and sprayed on the plants. This will last for about two weeks. I hope this helps you with your roses.
sore muscles

Thanks, Grandma. I am fertilizing with Miracle Grow for roses about every 2 weeks. I have two other potted mini roses that are doing great on the same fertilizing schedule and the one I am having difficulty with was doing well until a few days ago. Since pruning back the worst of the branches, it seems to have stabilized for the moment and I am hoping the plant recovers.

perhaps a larger pot or plant in the ground.they seem to do well against fences or something similar.

Some ground covers can be very invasive. Maybe it is just getting choked out. Are your other ones planted the same way??

My other mini roses are also potted but with baby's breath. The one I am having difficulty with is in a 20 inch pot with clematis, lamb's ear and sedum. I did notice today the pot has some sow bugs - would they be harming my rose and how do I get rid of them?