What fatal diseases require immediate rose bush removal?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Several rose diseases should be addressed immediately to protect your garden and the health of your remaining roses. Crown gall and rose rosette virus are two lethal threats that spread rapidly. Suppose you wait too long to take action. In that case, you risk losing your entire collection of roses by the time it's evident that your whole collection is infected. I've seen both of these diseases wipe out a garden in a single growing season, so be aware of the symptoms and act quickly.
Crown gall manifests as warty tumor-like growths found at the base of the plant. Over time, these galls constrict the vascular tissues. The plant declines in stages over three years: it is stunted in year one, dies back in year two, and ultimately dies in year three. The disease cannot be treated with chemicals. The infected soil remains contaminated for several years.
Rose rosette virus exhibits an extensive growth of red thorns as well as abnormal growth that resembles a "witches'-broom" pattern. The virus is an incurable disease that is spread by minute mites. If infected, the bush will die within three seasons. Multiflora roses in the vicinity of the affected rose are often also infected with the virus. If you find the infected rose in the garden, it would be prudent also to remove the Multiflora roses.
Crown Gall Procedure
- Dig wide: Remove plant with 2-foot soil radius
- Bag securely: Double-bag all plant material
- Sterilize tools: Use 10% bleach solution
- Restrict planting: No roses in area for 5 years
Rose Rosette Protocol
- Remove immediately: At first symptom
- Eliminate hosts: Destroy nearby multiflora roses
- Dispose offsite: Never compost infected plants
- Treat mites: Apply horticultural oil to surrounding plants
Prevention relies on rigorous hygiene practices. Always inspect nursery stock for galls before purchasing, and quarantine new plants for at least three weeks after purchase. Regular horticultural oil sprays will help control the mites in an infested plant. Plant resistant varieties like 'Carefree Delight', which has been shown to have a lower susceptibility rating than all the other varieties.
Once you've removed your rose, keep a close eye on plants nearby. Check for signs of symptoms in nearby roses for at least two seasons. You can also enhance soil health using compost to help bolster its natural resistance. Bear in mind, detecting these issues early will help save your garden. Healthy gardening practices can help avoid these calamities.
Read the full article: 10 Common Rose Bush Diseases and Solutions
