What's eating my compassion rose?

Compassion Rose is a vigorous climbing hybrid tea rose targeted by aphids, black spot fungus, and sawfly larvae outdoors. Deer and rabbits may browse new growth. Aphids are the most frequent attacker, colonising soft shoot tips in spring and summer. Regular inspection and prompt action keep this award-winning climber flowering freely.

Clusters of green or pink soft insects on new shoots and buds; sticky honeydew, sooty mould, and distorted growth. Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and lacewings. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil spray for heavy infestations.

Skeletonised or window-paned leaflets; caterpillar-like pale larvae feeding on leaf undersides, often from late spring. Pick larvae off by hand; apply pyrethrin-based spray or spinosad as a targeted drench if populations are high.

Circular black or dark-brown spots with yellow halos on leaves; severe defoliation by midsummer if untreated. Remove and bin (not compost) affected leaves; improve airflow by pruning. Apply a copper-based or myclobutanil fungicide at 7–14-day intervals.

Ragged, torn stems and foliage browsed overnight, especially on new growth and buds; no clean cut. Install 1.5–1.8 m deer fencing or use deer-repellent sprays (egg-solid or capsaicin-based); re-apply after rain.