What's eating my kiftsgate rose?

Kiftsgate (Rosa filipes 'Kiftsgate') is one of the most vigorous climbing roses and its massive canopy can become a refuge for aphids and sawfly larvae. Deer and rabbits find young growth irresistible before the plant matures. Despite its size, it is largely disease-resistant. Aphids on juvenile extension growth are the most recurrent annual nuisance.

Dense colonies on soft new lateral shoots and flower-truss stems; honeydew rains down from overhead; ants farm aphids up into canopy. On established plants, encourage beneficial insects; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to reachable infestations; suppress ant access with sticky tape or grease barriers at the base.

Skeletonised leaflets across multiple branches; large infestations can strip sections of the canopy. Spray with spinosad in the evening when larvae are visible; natural predators (birds, wasps) provide significant background control in a mature plant.

Ragged browsing damage on accessible lower and trailing shoots, particularly in the first few seasons before the plant grows out of reach. Protect young plants with temporary deer fencing; once Kiftsgate matures and grows above deer reach, the threat is minimal.

Gnawed bark and severed young canes at ground level on newly planted specimens. Use spiral tree guards or 60 cm wire mesh cylinders around the base during establishment; remove after 2–3 years once the main stem has bark-hardened.