Rose Bush Care- Combating the Invasion of Damaging Insects
Insects are a problem for rose tree gardens, caring for knock out roses, growing miniature roses, growing climbing roses and transplanting roses as well as general rose gardening. However, rose bush care can be easy to do and combat insects at the same time. Whether you take part in organic rose gardening will determine the types of insecticides used or are simply growing roses for cuttings, here are a few tips on how to combat insects.
There are different types of insects and pests based on where you are located when it comes to rose gardening. Defoliators or leaf feeders, sucking feeders, stem boring insects, gall makers and bud or shoot feeders are only a few. Defoliators include sawflies of which there are 3 types: rose slug, bristly rose slug and curled rose sawfly. A sawfly is a dark wasp that does not sting. Larvae look like caterpillars but have fleshy legs behind the front three pair of legs making a total of 5 pair of legs in the front. All three species are a light green color with orange heads and can be as long as ¾ of an inch. There are a few options to rid your garden of these pests: pick them off by hand or water, or simply use horticultural oil or neem. For those practicing organic rose gardening, rinsing these away with a water hose, spray early in the day so foliage can dry before sunset so fungus does not set up.
Sucking feeders include aphids, which are the most common. These multiply fast and can cause the plant to become diseased due to being weak. Treatment for these and most all other sucking insects include insecticidal soaps for organic gardeners and insecticides from a local garden store for others.
Japanese beetles are the second most common insect found on roses, and can destroy your flowers. Generally if they are seen, it is too late to save that bloom. Using diazino or malathion will keep these at bay when used regularly. Garlic planted near your roses will help to ward off these insects if you are an organic gardener.
Rose cane borers do damage to the rose trunks and stems and can also be controlled with neem. For most all pests in a rose garden, preventive measures can be taken. Research the insects and pests that are prevalent in your area before planting. This will help you get ready to choose companion plants for your garden. Companion plants such as garlic are known to keep insects away, while other plants are good for keeping specific insects away. Doing the research for your area is of the utmost importance if you want to keep your garden for more than a year at a time. It is best to talk to your local nursery worker or professional gardening club to find out more about your particular insects and area.
Lewis Paul is a rose garden enthusiast and enjoys helping others get started in this amazing hobby. For more great information on rose bush care, and to receive a free 10 Lesson mini-course, visit http://www.rosegardenbasics.com.