Rose Rosette Disease – Plant Roses Afterwards?

Q: Rose rosette disease has infected all my Knock Out roses. Now I have to dig them up and replace them. I would not recommend these roses unless until the rosette disease has a cure.

A: All roses are susceptible to rose rosette disease, not just Knock Out(tm) roses. The only cure is to remove the entire plant. The incurable virus can even persist in root fragments left behind when you dig out a rose. If you’re careful about getting every one of the root pieces, you could leave the planting spot bare until October, scouting weekly for errant sprouts to appear. If none arise you can plant more roses in the same spot.

rose rosette 4 (2)

rose rosette 3 (2)

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