What's eating my iceberg rose?

Iceberg Rose is one of the most disease-resistant roses available, but aphids, sawfly larvae, and greenfly remain common visitors. In the US, Japanese beetles can be damaging. Rabbits will browse young canes in winter. Its genetic vigor reduces but does not eliminate pest pressure — regular inspections still matter.

Clusters on new growth causing distorted shoots and bud drop; white skins shed as they moult Blast with water; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; attract aphid predators by growing fennel or dill nearby

Translucent windows eaten into leaves that turn papery brown; worst in late spring and early summer Pick off larvae by hand; apply pyrethrin or spinosad; dispose of fallen leaves where pupae overwinter

Leaves skeletonized to a brown lace; white blooms particularly attractive to feeding beetles Hand-pick into soapy water; apply neem oil spray as a deterrent; treat lawn areas with milky spore or beneficial nematodes for grub control

Clean-cut browsing of young stems and canes close to the ground, especially in late winter and spring Use wire mesh guards around the base of canes; apply rabbit repellent spray; install low wire fencing around the rose bed