Both of my rose bushes have developed a problem over the past month - they seem stunted where the new growth and rose buds don't mature. Any ideas on what is causing the problem and what I can do to save them? I have fertilized them once with Jackson & Perkins continuous slow release for roses and I have sprayed them every 7 - 10 days with Ortho 3-in-1 rose care for disease and pests. I live in Auburndale, FL which is zone 9a.
I think you're actually over fertilizing them
Your stunting looks like it could one of two things (of maybe both). It looks a lot like spray damage which can happen when you spray a plant with any chemical when it's too hot outside. It also reminds me of the damage thrips cause (especially the browned buds). Thrips are tiny insects that like to suck the juices out of your petals and/or leaves. Most insecticides available to the public will not kill them so the are fairly prevalent. Force one of the damaged buds open a bit then hold it firmly and give it a little thump with your finger. Usually several thrips will come running out if they're present. Fortunately, neither of these problems will kill the plant. Also, if you don't have any active insect problems, I'd try to find a product called Messenger. It's not a chemical so it won't burn your plants and it works by boosting your plant's own immune system. I use it on my 15 roses (mostly hybrid teas) and it's awesome.
Thanks for the replies. I have only fertilized once this year with a slow release type. I will check for bugs in the rose buds tomorrow and will cut back on the chemical spraying. I have never heard of Messenger, but I will check it out. Thanks :)
Here is a closeup picture
The close-up of your bud looks more like spray damage than thrips damage.
And unfortunately I've just been informed that the people who make Messenger have gone out of business. I'm sure someone else will acquire the patent but the production has been halted for a while.
Hey Sink- why don't you give the Rose Forum a try? Bet you'll get a good answer there...
Jill
because my answer wasn't good enough, huh?
Sorry, plantfreak, what I meant was she/he would get some more ideas. Badly worded, my fault!
I was just being defensive. I don't pay for the subscription so I can't access the Rose Forum. But with 19 roses of my own (I somehow miscounted on my first post) and working at a nursery where we grow hundreds each spring, I figure I've learned a thing or two about roses.
My latest rose nemesis has been rose rosette virus. It looks fairly innocuous at first, just like the rich red new growth many roses have. Then you start to notice that those red stems are oddly thick yet flexible and extremely thorny. Every source I've consulted says you can't cure it but I tried like heck anyway. A year and a half later I'm losing ground and so my poor 'Mardi Gras' will have to be replaced next spring. :( Oh well, I tried.
You face this type of problem due to over pesticides and chemical fertilizers.
