Knowledgebase
Neglected knockout roses fail to thrive #752689
Asked May 28, 2021, 10:56 AM EDT
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Your roses actually do not look too bad -- don't give up on them! Damage from roseslug sawflies and fungal leaf spots are some of the more common problems we see on roses at this time of year, but your foliage looks pretty healthy. The pruning you did is a good practice.
To address the slow growth, it would be good to investigate the conditions of your soil. Roses benefit from regular watering and fertilizing. It has been very dry this spring in many areas. Also, have you had your soil tested? Roses benefit from fertilizing but it is first a good idea to submit a soil sample to a lab to check your pH and current nutrient levels. The pH will affect which nutrients can be taken up in the plants. An optimal range for roses is a pH between 6.0 - 6.5. Here is our information on how to have your soil tested: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/soil-testing-and-soil-testing-labs
This page from the University of Missouri Extension has very good information about watering and fertilizing roses. https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6601
I also recommend removing weeds from around the base of your roses since weed plants will compete for water and nutrients.
Christa