'Pope John Paul II' Rose Buds Browning: Rain or Rose Midge?

Diagnosing Bud Failure on Fragrant Hybrid Tea

Three 'Pope John Paul II' bushes: many buds brown, don't open; some partial with brown edges. Heavy rain recently.

Two Likely Causes

1. Rain rot: Constant moisture rots buds → brown, fall off.
2. Rose midge: Open bud—tiny worms inside? Then midge.

Verdict

Probably rain. But check for worms. If midge, treat with systemic.