My rose plants have rose rosette disease. Can I replant?

Unfortunately, we’re beginning to hear from more viewers that dreaded rose rosette has found its way to their gardens. Dick Peterson, conservation and environmental expert, and former Texas Rose Rustler, reports that the disease has struck his antique roses, like Martha Gonzales. He’s noticed that Knock Out roses in his Round Rock neighborhood are succumbing, too.

Dr. Kevin Ong, Director of The Texas Plant Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Texas A&M, has seen first-hand how this issue wipes out entire swaths of roses as it marches across the map, so we asked him for suggestions on replanting.

The newest research indicates that rose rosette is spread by eriophyid mites. Dr. Ong suggests waiting at least a month, because many roses produce suckers from the roots, a source of infected tissue, which can be picked up and spread by new eriophyid mites.

Also, be cautious about replanting roses in areas such as Dallas/Fort Worth, parts of Oklahoma, and other areas of the countries where many roses have succumbed to rose rosette. Disease prevalence is very high in these areas, so re-infestation is quite likely.

Find out more about rose rosette disease, view a map of its spread, and add your information to assist research.