First, tell us where you are located, and then tell us a little bit about the roses . . .

Where did they come from? Were they really "BARE" root, or were their roots in plastic bags?

Did they have a lot of new growth, when you bought them?

How long were the roots? Did the plants look plump and healthy when you got them?

How big are the pots? How many drainage holes do they have? Are they raised above the ground, so water can flow through freely?

I live in NE Ohio. These roses were in plastic bags from Walmart or Home Depot. This one did have more growth than other roses when I bought it. I don't remember if there was any white root when I open the package. The brown roots were 8" to 10" long. It looked healthy when I bought it. The pot is 12" and has 4 drainage holes. I mixed a lot of perlite to improve the drainage of soil. The water can flow through freely, but now I only water a little each time and there is not enough water to leak out. I noticed another rose has yellow cane also, but not as bad as this one and the leaves are fine. By the way, we are experiencing hot weather this week. Over 90 F in daytime. I watered the roses twice this week. Does this matter?

1. Problem may be too much water. The best technique is to soak the plants at least 12 hours to be sure they are hydrated, then soak the soil to saturation after planting and let drain. For a few weeks after that they will need less water than usual plants because they don't have much foliage transpiring water. Don't water until surface is dry for the top inch and the pot feels lighter. Then water thoroughly.

2. The bagged bare roots are usually inferior quality and success will be hit or miss.

3. Select the bare root plants with the least top growth, not the most. They have to grow out some fine roots before they can support top growth.

4. This wouldn't cause immediate problems, but the pot is too small for a normal rose.

Yes, roses can be easily over-watered--the roots need both water and oxygen, so they will drown if constantly kept wet.

Thanks everyone for helpful information. I stopped watering the plant. Can it survive? I notice the top sprouts of the green cane turned brown but leaves are still green. I am worrying I am going to lose it soon. I admit the pots are not big enough for roses, but I don't have a house now. I love roses and thought I could gain some experience from growing roses in pots. I will put them down to the ground once I get a house if they're still alive.

I've grown a 3 x 3' rose in a 16" pot, but that is really pushing it. You need to get them in bigger pots before long. About watering--wait till the surface is dry about 1" down, then water thoroughly. Good luck.