Monitor roses for signs of decline. The distorted growth, such as witches’ broom, yellowing or stunted leaves are also symptoms of herbicide damage, which can be confused with rose rosette disease. Inspect nearby plants for similar herbicide damage to help determine which is the culprit. In addition, some rose cultivars normally have new growth, which is red. Over time, this red growth will turn into normal green growth. To date, researchers have tested over 900 Rosa cultivars and have found about 50 that show promise in developing resistant cultivars. The prairie climbing species, R. setigera, appears to be one that shows natural resistance. But resistant doesn’t mean immune. They cannot live in soil or on non- Rosa plant material, however. If they were to catch a ride on your pruners, they couldn’t live for days and days without finding a new host plant. Species Commonly Impacted

Practicing good sanitation practices in the garden is essential. Clean tools between plants when pruning, remove fallen or dead plant debris from the ground around the roses, dead head frequently and dispose of pruned plant debris immediately. Before purchasing new roses, always buy healthy looking shrubs and inspect them carefully for any signs of disease.

It’s almost impossible to kill a rose bush by overpruning. But, if you follow a few simple rules, the results will look more professional and result in a healthier plant. Many newer rose varieties don’t require much —if any—pruning. A good pair of bypass pruners (not anvil style) and rose pruning gloves can make the job even easier.

Photo by Florida Division of Plant Industry, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org, via CC 3.0 The virus is believed to be spread by tiny mites that can carry the nasty disease from bush to bush, infecting many bushes and covering much territory. The mite is named Phyllocoptes fructiphilus and the type of mite is called an eriophyid mite (wooly mite). They are not like the spider mite most of us are familiar with, as they are far smaller. Rosa multiflora) is a common wild host of RRD and the disease has spread throughout much of the U.S. How wonderful. I love stories about real people like this. Michel Simonet is a hero in so many ways. The world needs more folks like him!Siddons, Michael Powell (2009). Heraldic Badges in England and Wales. Vol.2.1 (Royal Badges). Woodbridge: Society of Antiquaries/Boydell. ISBN 9781843834939.