Marianne's Response

jmiracle’s Question

I will find a tiny hole in the canes of my roses. Then the entire can below it turns brown all the way down until it dies. What is it, and what can I do about it?

Janet

Posted by Janet Miracle on May 23, 2017

Marianne's Response

Hi Janet, sounds like you have a classic case of rose borers on those roses. Look for small worms on the stem and underside of the leaves and squish all you see. There is no quick fix In the form of a spray as the worms bore into the rose stems and hide from any pesticide. Hand picking is your best defense. You should also cut any infected cane to one inch below where you see the entrance hole to get rid of the borers already inside the stems. Don\'t worry as your rose plants will most likely outgrow this pest. Just be sure you feed and water regularly to keep your roses robust and healthy. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti