Knowledgebase

Roses have weird disease! #870587

Asked May 29, 2024, 12:46 PM EDT

My roses have a disease which is causing a disfigurement of the branches and blooms. I have guessed that it is a fungal disease. I have cut back the roses and tried applying Orthos’s Garden and Disease for several weeks. I switched to Neem Oil two weeks ago but the new growth does not show improvement. What should I do?

Durham County North Carolina

Expert Response

I am afraid that this is an example of Rose Rosette Disease which is caused by a virus carried by mites. Insecticides are not effective in controlling this problem and therefore the bush should be removed totally including roots, bagged, and placed in the trash. Please don’t put the plant in the yard recycling or try to compost it. This type of growth is commonly called a Witch’s Broom.

I have included a link to a Clemson Fact Page that might answer further questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rose Rosette Virus | Home & Garden Information Center (clemson.edu)

You can find this problem in the

5. Diseases and Disorders | NC State Extension Publications (ncsu.edu)

Katie

Master Gardener

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied May 31, 2024, 4:52 PM EDT
Katie, 
Thanks. I was hoping I could save the roses. They were beautiful last year. I will try something else, though.
Again, thank you.
Ann Hill
PS. I took the Master Gardner training some years ago in Swain County, NC.  It is a great course.


On Friday, May 31, 2024, 4:52 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 31, 2024, 6:06 PM EDT

I am so glad you liked the Master Gardener training.

I hope you find a plant/flower that you will love just as much as you did your roses.

All the best,


Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied June 03, 2024, 9:06 AM EDT
Good morning Katie,
I am emailing you again with a request for your help.
I gave you and the extension service a very nice review at my garden club meeting telling everyone how much help you had been with my roses problem.  It was suggested to me that  I write up some information about volunteering as a master gardener and about the extension service.  I’m hoping that we could actually talk on the phone for a few minutes at your convenience and just talk over what you do and I’m also wondering if you ever come out and speak to groups  I think many people in our community would enjoy that and be interested. 
My telephone number is<personal data hidden>.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Ann Hill 



On Monday, June 3, 2024, 9:06 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 22, 2024, 10:50 AM EDT

Ann ~ Katie has taken a short medical leave. Another Master Gardener will be calling you. We do come to speak to groups. You will need to contact our Speakers Bureau chair to set up the date and time. Monica Mense is our Speakers Bureau chair. Her email is <personal data hidden>

Let me know if we can answer more questions for you.

Pana Jones

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied July 23, 2024, 9:47 AM EDT
Thank you, I will look forward to hearing from someone soon. 
Ann Hill



On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 9:47 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2024, 9:58 AM EDT

Glad to help you.

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied July 23, 2024, 10:20 AM EDT

Ann ~ did someone contact you about speaking to your garden club?

Pana Jones, Program Assistant Replied January 24, 2025, 1:52 PM EST

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