Withering Rose Problem - Ask Extension
I volunteer at Green Lawn Abbey on Greenlawn Ave. There we have a lot of Knock Out Roses. We have a few - only a few - that have a problem. The plan...
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Withering Rose Problem #842112
Asked July 23, 2023, 9:49 AM EDT
I volunteer at Green Lawn Abbey on Greenlawn Ave. There we have a lot of Knock Out Roses. We have a few - only a few - that have a problem. The plant withers. See attached photos.
The withering problem doesn’t spread. To demonstrate that, I’ve also attached a photo of surrounding roses.
Any idea what’s causing it? Recommendations on how to address will be much appreciated.
Franklin County Ohio
Expert Response
It looks to me that the reddish new growth has wilted due to either a lack of water or too much heat/sun beating on it. Let me know if this wilting corrects itself with the addition of more water. You can also tell if this is a heat issue if the wilting has disappeared overnight. IF, this does not appear to be the case, send some more photos of the leaves, undersides, etc. to see if insects may be involved.
Withering is probably not the right word. It's more like stunted or stymied growth. Definitely not lack of water. The condition persists year to year. And surrounding roses show no signs of the problem.
Although I've looked as closely as I can, I don't see any insects.
This could be rose rosette disease.
Plants with reddish thicken stems, increased thorniness, strapped (usually long/thin leaves),
distorted flowers, and rosettes (bunches of short stems coming from same area on a stem (cane). See the link below for more info and management.
Rose Rosette Disease | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
Plants with reddish thicken stems, increased thorniness, strapped (usually long/thin leaves),
distorted flowers, and rosettes (bunches of short stems coming from same area on a stem (cane). See the link below for more info and management.
Rose Rosette Disease | University of Maryland Extension (umd.edu)
