Hi, I’m looking for help with a problem with my roses. The new growth tips are drying up and falling off. I have about 20 bushes, and after the first wave of flowers, they’ve stopped growing and blooming altogether. I don’t see any pests, and I’ve already tried sticky traps and pesticides with no luck. I’m feeling desperate — any advice would be greatly appreciated!
1 Like
I just did a Google Image Search using your photo and it suggested possibly Rose Midge damage. Per Google:
Rose midge damage is characterized by distorted or aborted flower buds, blackened and withered stem tips, and deformed or stunted new growth. The larvae, small white maggots, feed within the buds and shoots, causing these symptoms. If left unchecked, rose midge infestations can significantly reduce bloom production.
4 Likes
Thank you! Knowing the problem helps! Now I found a post here on how to deal with it!
2 Likes
I’m glad it helped! Good luck!
1 Like
Hi there. Rose Midge is a problem occasionally. Once you know what to look for for, it’s easy to identify. I used to work in the rose garden at queens botanical garden. QBG and we had some rose midge also. The roses were green and healthy , just had no buds! We found that as soon as we say those brown little tips, we would prune them right off and dispose of them. This way the midge was gone and soon our roses starting having buds again. We were not allowed to use chemicals at QBG. I hope that helps!
3 Likes
Hi Olga,
I have treated over 100 gardens/gardeners in my area, DC metro, for rose midge. We had an outbreak about 12 years ago. The burnt match or bent neck bud where a lovely bud should be is the symptom. You need to cut out and bag to reduce the midge population. To prevent/control treat your rose bushes with Bioadvance Insect Killer Complete granules before buds set, spring , summer and fall. Water well. Granules break the very rapid reproductive cycle of 12-16 days for rose midge.
2 Likes
Thank you very much for your advice!