Curling Rose Blooms? Likely Aphids – Use Ladybugs!

Curling Rose Blooms? Likely Aphids – Use Ladybugs!

Deformed, curling flowers with brown edges are classic aphid damage. These tiny insects suck sap from developing buds.

Natural Control: Ladybugs

1. Buy a container of ladybugs (available at garden centers).
2. Refrigerate until evening (calms them).
3. Release at base of affected roses at dusk with a flashlight.
4. They'll crawl up and feast on aphids.

Within 3 days, aphids vanish and new blooms form normally. Do not spray insecticides – they kill ladybugs too.

Ongoing Care

• Deadhead: Snap off faded blooms (don't cut far down) to encourage more flowers.
• Fertilize: Any rose fertilizer from garden center, applied per label.
• Water deeply: Infrequent deep soakings > frequent light watering.

Shrub roses are high-maintenance but rewarding.