Rose Rosette Disease: Horticultural Oil for Mite Control

Rose rosette disease, spread by tiny eriophyid mites, causes distinctive short red stems and excessive thorns. The mites overwinter in bark cracks and lay eggs in early spring. Horticultural oil sprays can suppress mite populations if applied before budbreak (February), at budbreak (March), and every two weeks thereafter.

However, if roses show no symptoms, treatment may be unnecessary. If symptoms appear, the infected plant must be removed—pruning does not control the disease.

Eryophyid Mite Description

rose rosette disease

rose rosette thorniness