What's eating my blaze improved rose?

Blaze Improved is a classic red climbing rose susceptible to aphids and Japanese beetles, which cluster heavily on its showy blooms in summer. Rose sawfly larvae attack foliage in late spring. Deer and rabbits may browse accessible canes. The large climbing framework means pest spread can be rapid if populations are not managed early.

Adults skeletonize foliage and shred petals throughout summer, often congregating in large numbers. Hand-pick at dawn into soapy water daily; apply neem oil spray; use milky spore or beneficial nematodes for grubs.

Colonies develop rapidly on new cane growth, causing sticky, distorted foliage and reduced vigour. Blast off with water hose; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen.

Larvae graze leaf undersides in late spring, causing translucent windows that turn brown quickly. Inspect canes weekly from May; hand-remove larvae; spray pyrethrin for moderate-to-heavy attacks.

Clean-cut gnaw marks on lower canes at ground level, especially in late winter and early spring. Wrap lower cane bases with wire mesh guards; use granular repellent around the planting area.