If anything the opposite is true: the vast majority of Old European type roses can perform nicely with no fertilizer whatsoever. Of course, all roses do better with a bit of fertilizer added once in a while, but its modern roses (repeat bloomers) that are constantly pushing out new growth and blooms that need heavy feeding, compared to OGR types.

If your roses have paler foliage, it may be inherent in the variety. Do you know which ones you have? Hard to say whats "normal" for them without knowing who we're talking about.

Kit, you don't mention where you are nor which you grow, but I fully agree with Paul. I understand what you are describing. Some OGRs do have lighter, softer foliage genetically, and many others suffer chlorosis when grown in arid alkalinity. I have grown many own root in the mid So Cal desert and found what you describe. Budded to Dr. Huey, which is more suited to arid alkalinity, they didn't suffer the issues as badly. Own root, it was much more prevalent. Perhaps what you are seeing is more than a little unsuitability of the varieties you are growing to the conditions where you are growing them? "Fertilizing" helps overcome the issues not to their liking, which may make them appear "hungrier", and in that sense, perhaps they might be so described. But, grown where they are "happy", no, very many OGRs get along just fine and perform beautifully with little to no assistance compared to some moderns.

Very interesting, thank you Paul Barden and roseseek. After reading your responses I'm thinking that they are indeed not as happy as they can be. I'm in NJ with clay soil. Perhaps I didn't amend it enough for them.. I can't recall unfortunately. Both are own root from Heirloom Roses: Hebe's Cup and La Reine. La Reine has what I think are rust spots all over the lower half of the plant's leaves but lots of buds. The first bud is about to open soon. Coupe D' Hebe looks totally healthy with buds. Both have the same solid pale leaves. Do you think it is worth digging them up and amending the soil more? I planted them both just last fall.

No, I wouldn't dig them up. If your drainage is sufficient, I'd mulch well with the appropriate organic mulch for your climate and conditions. You may want to do a soil test to determine what might be missing before you do anything. But, adding organics to the surface of the soil where they will encounter heat, moisture and oxygen to feed the soil bacteria and fungi so they digest them, releasing Humic Acid and nutrients which will be washed through the root zones and soil should do the job. Depending upon what and how much you used, the issue could well be that there is too much organic material in the planting area and it isn't breaking down appropriately. Remember that organic material buried under ground in landfills generates hydrogen sulfide and methane, both of which kill plants and add to climate change. Putting the organics on the surface where they digest instead of forming toxic gases allows the plants to make the best use of them.

Kit - can you post pictures of your roses, including close ups of the leaves, including the ones which have rust spots?I agree that a layer of compost or other organics on TOP of the soil will be better for the roses, and also the worms and soil health generally. After 12 months here my 2" layers have disappeared - they become part of the soil, and I put another 2 inches on top. It also, at least in my dry summer climate, helps with less evaporation of water. If you live in a humid climate that might not be an issue.

Jackie

Uh oh. Now I'm starting to think it's a drainage issue. I'm embarrassed to say that I *might* have run out of compost and skimped by with extra perlite.

Jackie, I only have this pic at the moment and it's not the best but here is La Reine. So pretty and I can already smell the wonderful fragrance. Too bad I gave this rose a bad start.

That foliage looks pretty normal for 'La Reine' to me. Maybe a tiny bit in need of Nitrogen, but otherwise quite healthy (well, except for the Blackspot, which it will get very severely if not protected with fungicide)