Mystery Rose Damage: Webs, Blackened Leaves, Bored Canes in New Mexico

Three Problems, Not One: Spider Mites, Pruning Wounds & a Spider

Los Alamos, NM gardener: roses attacked—webs in branch crotches, blackened bundled leaves, canes bored out/hollow. Greenhouse couldn't ID pest. Photos provided.

Expert Analysis

1. Spider mites: Confirm with white paper tap test (tiny moving specks). Cause stippling, webbing.
2. Cane dieback from improper pruning: Cuts made too far above bud eyes don't seal, allowing bacteria/fungi to enter. Canes die back from cut point. Fix: Prune back to a bud eye (joint-like swelling on cane).
3. Large webs = garden spider: Harmless predator. Not a borer.

No Rose Borer Evidence

Borers leave obvious entry holes. Not seen here.

Action

• Prune all dead/dieback canes to healthy bud eyes.
• Monitor for mites; spray if needed.
• Ignore the spider—it's eating pests.