Over-Sprayed Climbing Rose with Ortho: Damage Control

Upstate NY: 18-year-old climber, never fertilized, soapy water for aphids, recent Ortho for green worms. Over-sprayed at full bud. 24 hrs: brown leaves, drooping buds. Washed next day. Little rain. Asks: water, cut brown, or what?

Old, Low-Vigor Rose + Overdose = High Mortality Risk

18 years without fertilizer = not vigorous. May not survive chemical shock.

Emergency Care

1. Cut back to 1/3—remove ALL leaves + brown canes.
2. Water heavily around base (roots absorbing residue).
3. Roses regrow 3 leaf sets without vigor loss.
4. Wait. Survival depends on remaining vigor.

Hard lesson: never over-apply chemicals, especially on old plants.