Knowledgebase

old rose declining #930022

Asked April 29, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT

I have an old rose, I have forgotten which kind, that has started producing peripheral branches that are extremely thorny and don't seem to produce flowers. See Pic. I have had it for maybe 20 years so perhaps it is just old. I don't want to start spraying it with pesticides, which I have never used. So my options are 1 remove the whole plant, 2 cut it back severely, 3 just remove the offending sprouts. Which so you suggest?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

Unfortunately, this is Rose Rosette Disease, and there is no cure. It is transmitted by a microscopic mite that can travel in the wind. If you have other roses that are not exhibiting these symptoms, we would suggest you remove this right away to not potentially transfer the virus. However, this rose could have received the virus from any wild multiflora rose that is growing in wooded areas surrounding your property. 

Sorry for the loss of your rose. Let us know if you have further questions. 

Emily

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 29, 2026, 4:39 PM EDT

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