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Rose Bush failure #872243

Asked June 09, 2024, 1:09 AM EDT

Third & worst year with this knockout rose. Insect eating away but can’t identify (also planted above a tree ) Is there a treatment or dig up and start over? Thank you.

Franklin County Ohio

Expert Response

Good Afternoon,

Thank you for the pictures, they were very helpful. From looking at them the damage it appears to be made by Rose sawflies. Damage from Aphids, Japanese beetles or Thrips do not match all the characteristics of the damage your plant has suffered. 

An organic method of treatment is an insecticidal soap or neem oil. Apply to the affected plant according to the directions on the product.

With the damage you have I suggest you apply an insecticide. Again, apply to the plant following the instructions on the product. The insecticide will act against the major insects that I think you have.

For further information go to https://ohioline.osu.edu and pick the applicable area. You can do a search on a number of garden issues. The Buckeye Yard & Garden onLine is a really great weekly newsletter right to your email. it is a free subscription. Simply go to https://bygl.oeu.edu and subscribe. Finally the Franklin County OSU Extension located at 2548 Carmack Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43210  <personal data hidden>. They have a hotline you can leave a message on at anytime.

I hope I have been helpful and not too chatty.

Sincerely,

Mike Heys, Franklin County Master Gardener

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 09, 2024, 3:45 PM EDT

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