Question From: G. Westerfield - Cleveland, Tennessee, United States
Q: I have a scarlett Meidiland rose that is about 20 years old. This spring as the leaves put out, there are many with distorted growth. The leaves are stunted and curly, in a lighter green color than the rest of the normal leaves. The distorted leaves seem to be on separate canes from the normal ones. Do you have any idea what may be wrong with my rose.
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A: I am sad to tell you your rose has rose rosette disease which is fatal. There is not cure so you should dig it out pack it up in a garbage bag and put it in the trash. Clean your tools with a bleach and water solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. I would not plant another rose in that soil for a couple of years. Sorry for your loss. Best Nancy
