What's eating my hansa rose?

Hansa is a tough rugosa hybrid with strong disease resistance, making it far less susceptible than most roses to black spot and mildew. Aphids still appear on new shoots, and Japanese beetles (US) are the most serious outdoor threat. Deer surprisingly tolerate rugosa thorns but will browse in desperation. Aphids are the year-round nuisance.

Colonies on new shoot tips and bud stalks spring through summer; less severe than on hybrid teas but still distorts new growth. Blast off with water; insecticidal soap spray on persistently infested shoots.

Skeletonised petals and leaves with only veins remaining; adult metallic beetles feed in groups during summer, particularly on blooms. Hand-pick into soapy water in the morning when beetles are sluggish; apply neem oil as a feeding deterrent; avoid pheromone traps near the plant.

Translucent-windowed or skeletonised leaflets; rugosa's wrinkled leaf texture makes larvae harder to spot on undersides. Inspect weekly; remove larvae by hand or with a jet of water; pyrethrin spray if population is significant.

Although dense thorns deter deer well, rabbits can still gnaw young cane bases on newly established plants. Use fine wire mesh guard at the base for the first season; Hansa's vigour means it quickly grows beyond rabbit reach.