Marianne's Response
Rose Disease
What is wrong with my rose? I cut it back in early spring, and now it looks like this?
Posted by Wendy Nolan on May 22, 2022
Marianne's Response
The red color and unusual growth pattern leads me to believe your rose has Rosette disease. This is a virus spread by a mite and if you catch it very early you might be able to destroy the mites and you might be able to save the rose - but only if just the top of the plant is infected with more than half the plant still healthy. In your case it appears that all the leaves are infected so place a plastic bag over the plant now to stop the disease from spreading, dig out the rose roots and all and send it away with the garbage. A winter dormant spray and Neem oil are two treatments that can help to control mites on roses. You should also try not to plant floribunda roses and these seem the most susceptible to Rosette disease. My sympathies. Remind yourself we all learn by losing plants. Keep growing Marianne Binetti
