Snap a few branches off of your rose bush. If it snaps easily, it is likely that the bush is dead. If the branches are still flexible, it could still be alive.

Don’t compost diseased plants since it could spread to other plants. Dead flowers and leaves are most likely to appear in the fall.

You may also want to consider mulching to prevent new weeds from forming in your garden or yard. [4] X Research source Don’t leave any of the weeds’ roots or new weeds could start growing.

Common rose bush diseases include black spot, powdery mildew, and brown canker.

You can determine the expected last frost date by using the Old Farmer’s Almanac website. Input your zip code into the field at https://www. almanac. com/gardening/frostdates. Check the rose bush for signs of new leaf growth and if the buds are starting to grow red in color. For most people, this means pruning in the early spring. Pruning dead and unnecessary branches will allow the center of your rose bush to grow healthier.

Make sure that your shears are sharp or you could cause damage to the bush.

You can tell that a cane is dead or diseased if it has dead leaves and is “woody,” characterized by a dried and brown appearance. Dead branches will be brown, rather than green in the center when you cut them.

You can also create your own nutrient powder by mixing together 1 cup (240 ml) of bone meal or superphosphate, 1 cup (240 ml) of cottonseed meal, 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of blood meal, 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of fish meal, and 1⁄2 cup (120 ml) of Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate). Find a rose-specific fertilizer at your local garden center. They provide exactly the minerals and nutrients that your roses need.

If the fertilizer is allowed to come into contact with your plant’s leaves, the fertilizer will burn the leaves and cause them to wilt.

During the peak growing season, fertilize your rose bush every 4-6 weeks.

Do not pile the mulch up around the crown of the bush. Adding mulch will allow the soil to retain more moisture for the roots and discourage weed growth. Organic mulch includes wood chips, straw, grass clippings, and leaves. Inorganic mulch includes gravel, stones, and glass. Replace or add more organic mulch once a year at the beginning of the summer.

Roses will wilt and dry out when they aren’t watered enough.