Rose disease and die back - Ask Extension
I have been having a real struggle with roses this year. They are all well established and normally healthy. But I am experiencing die back on sever...
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Rose disease and die back #873511
Asked June 17, 2024, 5:53 PM EDT
I have been having a real struggle with roses this year. They are all well established and normally healthy. But I am experiencing die back on several - including a severe case I wrote to you folks about earlier this year. My greatest concern currently is with a glorious climbing rose which has graced my front arbor for decades and which has never before had any issues. This spring there is an ongoing pattern where all of the leaves on a major branch turn yellow then die. Sometimes they present disease a la pictures attached, but sometimes seemingly not. When such a branch becomes completely brown/dead I remove it. I have been cutting areas out repeatedly in this manner all spring, something I have never had to do after winter pruning before. There are now gaping holes, and the process shows no signs of slowing down. At the same time much of the plant is healthy and is sending out lots of new shoots/branches/leaves/flowers. I would appreciate any insights and advice. This is breaking my heart...
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi and thanks for your question about the dying branches on your beautiful rose. You are doing everything right by cutting out the dead branches. There are several causes for this rose dieback (as it is called). I'm guessing our cold winter and wet spring are probably the reasons you are having more trouble this year.
Your rose looks quite thick and one of the problems may be lack of air circulation. Fungi spread by water invade the branches and spread when we have epic rains... like this weekend. There is no chemical control.
Keep cutting the dead and dying branches and the ones that look like they have other problems. Try not to take over 1/3 of the plant, but if you need to cut out up to that much, go ahead. The rose should recover and hopefully the new shoots will get better weather. I'm assuming you kept the plant watered last summer, give it the proper rose fertilizer and make your cuts perpendicular to the stem with a sharp, sterile knife or scissors.
It is a good year for rose blossoms, but that can stress a plant as well. Keep up the good cultivation and pick up any fallen leaves or petals at the base of the plant and hopefully the weather will improve for your beautiful plant.
Good luck,
Your rose looks quite thick and one of the problems may be lack of air circulation. Fungi spread by water invade the branches and spread when we have epic rains... like this weekend. There is no chemical control.
Keep cutting the dead and dying branches and the ones that look like they have other problems. Try not to take over 1/3 of the plant, but if you need to cut out up to that much, go ahead. The rose should recover and hopefully the new shoots will get better weather. I'm assuming you kept the plant watered last summer, give it the proper rose fertilizer and make your cuts perpendicular to the stem with a sharp, sterile knife or scissors.
It is a good year for rose blossoms, but that can stress a plant as well. Keep up the good cultivation and pick up any fallen leaves or petals at the base of the plant and hopefully the weather will improve for your beautiful plant.
Good luck,
