Update: Rose Rosette Disease

Today we removed another 13 rose plants from the Dean Bond Rose Garden because of Rose Rosette Disease. This virus affects many rose cultivars. Read more in our 2009 Garden Seeds post.

Distorted leaves are a symptom of Rose Rosette Disease. photo credit: A. Glas

We have been removing all roses when they show signs of illness since 2009. This part of the garden will not be replanted for a year to avoid Rose Replant Disease, which occurs when a new rose is planted in the same soil as the one removed. The source is believed to be a soil imbalance caused by the removal of trace elements, a natural build-up of fungal soil disease and soil micro-pests caused by the old rose.

Rapid elongation of new shoots is a symptom of Rose Rosette Disease. photo credit: A. Glas

Rose Rosette Disease symptoms include rapid elongation of new shoots; witches’ brooms with small, distorted leaves; excessive growth of unusually soft and pliable red or green thorns; canes that appear thicker than parent canes; and new growth’s traditional red pigmentation never maturing to green. If you observe these symptoms remove the plant. Do not replant with roses for at least a year.