What's eating my confederate rose?

Confederate Rose, a large flowering shrub or small tree, is most troubled by aphids, whitefly, and Japanese beetles. Aphids swarm new shoots and buds; whitefly are persistent in warm climates. Japanese beetles skeletonize leaves in summer. A combination of water jets for aphids, sticky traps for whitefly, and handpicking beetles keeps it healthy.

Cottony clouds of adults rise when leaves are brushed; nymphs on undersides cause yellowing, wilting, and sticky honeydew residue on lower foliage. Hang yellow sticky traps. Spray leaf undersides with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5–7 days for at least 3 rounds. Early morning applications are most effective.

Soft green or black colonies on tender new growth and flower buds cause leaf curl, stunted shoots, and honeydew that leads to sooty mold. Dislodge with a firm water jet. Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 4–5 days until populations collapse. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which produces the soft growth aphids prefer.

Adults eat flowers and skeletonize leaves between veins in mid-summer, leaving lace-like damage that weakens the plant if severe. Handpick beetles into soapy water in the morning. Apply neem oil at dusk as a feeding deterrent. Avoid pheromone traps — they draw more beetles into the garden.