Now I suspect Rose Rosette in MY OWN rosebed… and I’m not happy! This is Dolly Parton, who has red foliage on new growth, but these extremely thorny stems, and funky buds on 4" stems, are not normal. The two areas of this growth are 3-4’ above the ground! I guess I’ve always seen pictures that show RRD closer to the ground. This is my first experience of it on my own bushes. I would appreciate any advice you all can offer. Thanks!
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As you may already know. It needs to be removed from the garden ASAP. I personally use a designated pruner to cut the rose to the ground and put the branches in a tight bag. Then I dig out as much as possible of the root system and dispose of that in the same manner. I find it easier to handle that way.
I avoid replanting in the same hole for a year. Watch closely the other plants in the area.
Good Luck.
@prairieroseman Thank you for your response…You have confirmed my worst thoughts. I know I need to remove the plant ASAP, and I have a question or two about that: 1. Are the mites that cause RRD active in the winter (or in cold temps)? 2. does the disease spread other than by the mites?
Another question for you and others: I detected RRD in a rose bed at the entrance to our housing development this past spring; it was on one Knockout rose planted in a group of 6-7 plants. I forwarded photos around the ARS community and received confirmation of RRD.
So - I sent an email to our HOA, who promptly sent their worker out to remove the plant. That worker came to our house to report he had JUST REMOVED THE PLANT. Great news! But he was standing at the foot of the steps up to our front porch… and was RIGHT NEXT TO DOLLY PARTON… the rose that is now infected with RRD. Is it even remotely possible that the RRD infection occurred from that happenstance?
Just curious to know how closely the mites might move… or how else the disease transfers. Thanks for all responses… I appreciate ALL info! -Jill
As far as I’ve heard, mites are the primary means of spreading the virus. Mites are cold blooded, so it depends how cold you get. Here in Lincoln, NE it is 24 degrees now, so they are inactive for the rest of the year. I could imagine that the mites (which are spread airborne) could theoretically attach itself to clothing and travel that way, but that is not a high probability of happening.
Thanks again… I know that story of how the mites may have gotten here is a stretch, but I just wonder… I grew and exhibited 250 roses in Las Vegas for years… never any RRD. This is my first episode with it. Now I have to find another Dolly Parton… one of my top five favorites. Bummer. But thanks again for your response!
Happy Thanksgiving to you!
According to Dr. Mark Windham, There is no need to wait a year to replant a rose in the same hole as a rose removed due to rose rosette disease. The eriophyid mite does not survive in the soil, it will perish after 24 hours. As long as you have removed any remaining roots from the old rose, you can safely plant a new rose in a few weeks.
As a precaution, you can spray bifenthrin on your other roses.
You can order a Dolly Parton rose from Witherspoon Rose Culture. It is in their 2025 catalog.
Rosejoy, thank you for your concern and information regarding the bifenthrin to spray for mites, and for checking on the availability of Dolly Parton from Witherspoon Rose culture! That was very kind of you… Dolly is now gone, but not forgotten. She is one of my top 5 faves, so she WILL be replaced (maybe by TWO bushes). She has a place of honor, which is the first rose out our front door. She fragrances the whole porch when she is in bloom!
Again… thanks for your kindness!