Rose Tree with Swellings: Galls or Bud Unions?

Diagnosing Cane Swellings on a Rose Standard

Anniversary rose pruned, grew, then cold spell killed leaves. Whole tree looks dead. Two swellings (one near top, one near base). Bark scratch shows green underneath.

Possibilities

• Rose galls: Bacterial infection (corky lumps) stunts growth.
• Bud unions: Tree roses = modern top on Rugosa trunk. Two grafts possible.

Test

Cut a cane. Green all through = alive. Brown center = dead.

If galls: remove affected parts. If bud unions: top may be dead, Rugosa base alive.