We have st. Joseph's coat climbers, 8 or 10 years old, don't seem to be changing colors as much in the past, staying mostly red. . Should I be doing something different?

Answer #1 · Maple Tree's Answer · Hi Mike-This is a good question. I'm thinking the fact that this rose is not producing the vivid colors you are used to seeing is caused possibly by some change in the amount of sunlight or nutrients its receiving. The red buds normally open to a golden yellow then as the flower ages it turns back to red again. It definitely at times looks as though you have three different different rose varieties on one plant. I have a 'Rainbow's End' climing rose that changes colors in the same way. I have this rose planted in a large container. At times when I have the plant located in an area with less direct sunlight the blooms aren't as vivid in color. These roses need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day to produce this nice coloring. In warmer climates I have found these roses to appreciate some relief from the hottest day sun. In this case mostly early day direct sunlight has been best as the hot direct sunlight in the afternoon seems to fade the brighter yellows and orange coloring. At times my pots have dried out quickly not allowing me to keep the soil consistantly moist which has cause the flowers not to last as long and produce all three colors as usual. Are there possibly any trees or structures that may be shading this plant more so now than before? Has this rose been fertilized and if so with what fertilizer? It is always best to use a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for roses. Has there been any changes in the amount of water this rose is getting. If the plant is still putting on healthy new growth each year it may just be some small climate change affecting it this year. Does the foliage have its normal nice green coloring? Is there any leaf discoloration, yellowing, or spotting on the leaves that you can see? Other than checking these few things and possibly coming up with any changes in the amount of sunlight and water I'm not sure why the blooms are not developing more of the yellow coloring. Hopefully another member may have had the same thing happen with their plants coloring and can help with what may be causing this.

Please don't hesitate to ask any other questions you may have.

John)