Virginia rose is one of several pretty wild roses resistant to RRD. Many species roses are highly resistant to RRD. These include some garden-worthy types, including the European burnet rose ( Rosa spinosissima ), which boasts single or semi-double white flowers followed by large, near-black hips that appear on spreading bushy plants.
Currently, there are no roses that are known to be 100% resistant to rose rosette disease, including those that are resistant to other rose diseases like powdery mildew and black spot.
What is rose rosette disease (RRD)?
Rose rosette disease (RRD) causes elongated rose shoots, leaf distortion and an unusual red or yellow mottling of the leaves. Normal new growth on many roses is red. This should not be confused with symptoms of RRD.
What roses are deer resistant?
That said, the following roses are considered to be more resistant to deer:
Swamp rose ( Rosa palustris)
Virginia rose ( R. virginiana)
Pasture rose ( R. Carolina).
In general, shrub roses are good plants where deer are a problem due to their thorny stems that deer don’t like to eat. 1 Candy Oh is a favored variety known for its fragrance and vibrant coloring. It produces beautiful blooms for most of the summer and will attract many pollinators to your garden.
Knock Out® Roses are not deer resistant and unfortunately, as you probably know, when deer are hungry, they’ll munch on anything. Don’t worry though, Knock Out® Roses are really tough. They bloom repeatedly throughout the season, so hopefully when it’s time for them to bloom again, you will see more flowers.
How do you protect Roses from deer?
Detract near entry points with scents like garlic, rosemary and lavender, or textures like lamb’s ear, thorny roses, barberry or holly. Hide what’s inside. Plant tall, thick hedges or add a fence at least 8’ tall. Add an element of surprise, such as a garden ornament or a scarecrow, and move it frequently.
This solution is definitely one of the less expensive and is also brilliant for its effectiveness. Fencing is always a good alternative for harsh chemicals or other sprays that could damage your foliage. Use a sprinkler system, get even more plants, set up decoys and scarecrows, and use deer repellent are a couple additional items to pay attention too.
What does a plant with RRD look like?
There are several symptoms that a rose infected with RRD may exhibit: (these are the “rosettes” that gave the disease its name; they are also called “witches brooms.”) A rose that is infected with the disease may have only one of these symptoms, or it may have any or all of them.