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Decatur, GA on Apr 24, 2012

Rose Rosette

Rose rosette disease is devastating to roses and will be extremely hard to control if it becomes widespread. Now is the time you might notice it on new growth.

The disease causes very red foliage and stems, copious thorns, "witch's broom" at branch ends and eventual death of the plant. It seems to be spread by tiny mites that travel on the wind. The only cure for it is to pull out and destroy affected plants.

17 Comments

Mike L Yamhill, OR

The disease is not soil borne so a healthy rose can be replanted where the infected one was removed. However, if wild multiflora roses are near by the chance of infection is great. The disease vector is tiny microscoppic mites (eriophyid) that are carried by wind.

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Val L Henderson, NV

so far only out east? That is nasty

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Vivian P Clearlake, CA

Even with controlling the Mites?

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Rita H Wake Forest, NC

http://www.ars.org/pdfs/rose_rosette.pdf - this article is a bit old (2001) but there is some good info on this disease. I've had it on a few of my rose plants here in NC, but I usually prune them out. It's definitely controllable if you prune regularly and properly dispose of the prunings.

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Kelly S Bremerton, WA

That is worse than aphids and black fungus!

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

How disheartening! Where did this disease come from?

on Apr 24, 2012 · Like 0
Douglas Hunt New Smyrna Beach, FL

I have never seen that before and I hope I never do!

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

Rita - you may be controlling the symptoms by pruning (unless you mean "shovel pruning") but if your plant has the disease, it is in the sap and the plants are still capable of infecting other plants via the mites.

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Renee B Fayetteville, GA

So sad I have a rose with this I'm sure of it. Fortunately it's a rose that's all by it's self behind our garage. So thanks...we are taking it out and replacing it. I thought it was a terrible case of mildew...but now I know it's not. :(

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Laura S Chicago, IL

my roses got this and I had to pull out all eleven. Spreads like the dickens and you can't plant another rose in the same spot for 3-4 years. It was a very disheartening day. I only have 2 years before I can plant new ones tho!

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

Laura - I have good news! If no rose sprouts have occurred in a spot for a year you can plant another rose in the same place as the diseased rose.
see http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/450/450-620/450-620.h...

on Apr 25, 2012 · Like 0
Laura S Chicago, IL

Seriously?! Woo-hoo! Thanks Walter! (loved your show, by the by. But can't find it anymore :0(

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Becky H Tampa, FL

Laura S., that had to have broken your heart! I know it would have mine. Hope you can plant soon.

on Apr 26, 2012 · Like 0
Pamela F Hinesville, GA

Hey Mr. Reeves, are my 3 roses affected with that horrible rose rosette disease? They are in close vicinity of one another.
on Apr 22, 2013 · Like 0
Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

some roses have naturally red young foliage. I don't see the brooming or excessive thorniness characteristic of the disease

on Apr 22, 2013 · Like 0
Pamela F Hinesville, GA

Thank you Mr. Reeves. Some of the thorns seem gigantic to me but, I've never planted roses before since I was afraid that they were too high maintenance.

on Apr 22, 2013 · Like 0
Marilyn B

I am glad that I have read this information on knockout roses. I planted a bush last year, and bought some yesterday. I will check them out when I get home this evening.

on Apr 22, 2013 · Like 0

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