What is killing your roses, and what can you do about it?

If you have knockout or drift roses, you really need to keep an eye out for a virus called Rose Rosette. This virus has really become an issue this year and is infecting a LOT of roses.
We did start seeing Rose Rosette last year in knockouts, and it has only gotten worse this year and is now infecting a lot of drift roses as well.

Enlarged stems, an extreme excess of thorns, a darker red tint to foliage, witches broom…these are all symptoms of Rose Rosette. It can be widespread across an entire rose bush, or it can seem limited to certain areas.

Unfortunately, there is no prevention or treatment for Rose Rosette at this time. Infected roses need to be dug up…roots and all…and disposed of either by burning or removing from your property completely. Rose Rosette is spread by a microscopic mite, and it will spread VERY quickly. Removing infected roses is the only way to protect other roses on your property…or your neighbors property.

DO NOT make the mistake of trying to treat your infected roses. You will find several different ways of “treating” it online…and they DON’T WORK. By treating instead of removing, all you are doing is giving it time to spread farther to other plants.
Also, do not make the mistake of simply trying to trim off areas that look infected. If you see any signs of Rose Rosette…small or large…the entire plant is infected and needs to be removed asap.

It may not seem severe when you first find it, but in time it will kill your rose bushes. So do not put off checking your rose bushes and getting rid of any infected plants!