Knowledgebase

Knockout rose #868507

Asked May 15, 2024, 9:36 AM EDT

Hello! I have a stand of roses with rose rosette disease, and bindweed growing under them to boot. I’d like to take them out. Is there something I should do to treat the soil to make it hospitable to what I plant next? I’d like to put Carolina sweet shrub in its place. Will it be ok? As for the bindweed, is that something that I can cut and paint with round up? I’ve never used chemicals and I’m a little nervous about it because I’m breastfeeding. Thank you for your advice! Kory

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

If you are weary about using chemicals you can just cut/dig/pull and keep doing so if the bindweed or any part of the roses come back. Eventually they will use up the root storage and will stop growing back.

You can also carefully spray or paint the foliage but understandably you would want to be cautious. As long as you wear gloves, long sleeves, pants etc. and don't apply on a windy day you should be safe. 

You won't need to treat the soil for the rose rosette if that is what you were referring to. Rose rosette disease travels by a mite through the wind and won't stay in the soil. Also, it won't get on the summer sweet. 

Let us know if you have further questions.

Emily

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