| As I recall, Frau Drushki's foliage is naturally paler than average. Also, being a hybrid perpetual, she may need more time to get going than some roses. Still I would expect at least a few buds in the second year. If new leaves come in pale between darker veins, it is iron deficiency. Apply an iron supplement according to the label. Also, iron deficiency is generally caused by the pH being too high. Own-root roses differ in their tolerance of such conditions. If you are using yard compost that has been leached by the rain, this material is low in nitrogen and can even withdraw nitrogen temporaily from the soil. If you use high-nitrogen fish fertilizer regularly, that should compensate. Fish formulas vary a lot in their analysis, though. In zone 9, you could be using alfalfa several times a year. |
