Are Knockout Roses Susceptible to Aphids & Whiteflies?
Knockout roses were bred to be hardy plants with a high resistance to disease; however, aphids and whiteflies are two insects that could invade this type of rose bush. Does this Spark an idea?
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The Knockout Rose
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The Knockout rose, which can grow to about 3 feet wide, was developed in Wisconsin by rose breeder William Radler. The plant has cherry red flowers and is one of the longest blooming roses. The Knockout rose is gaining popularity due to its disease resistance and easy maintenance.
Whiteflies
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Adult whiteflies are feathery white or yellowish-white insects which look similar to moths. Whitefly eggs can be found underneath the leaves of the plants and can range in color from gray to orange. These insects suck liquid from the leaves, stems and buds of the plant. The rose will eventually die if the whiteflies are left on the plant. Whitefly traps can be hung over top of the rosebush to catch the insects before they invade the plant. If the insects appear on the plant, an insecticide or seaweed spray can be used.
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Aphids
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Aphids are the most likely insects to invade a Knockout rose. Aphids are the most likely insects to invade a Knockout rose. These insects can be found on the stems and branches of the plants and are simply a cosmetic problem. Aphids can be controlled with a sharp burst of water from a hose or they can be squished and dipped in a mixture of soap and water.
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References
- Photo Credit aphis on rose. image by mdb from Fotolia.com