What's eating my nearly wild rose?

Nearly Wild is a single-flowered shrub rose that, like all outdoor roses, is targeted by aphids and Japanese beetles. Its vigorous, spreading habit also makes it attractive to deer and rabbits. Because it grows close to the ground, slugs and snails can also be a problem. It has reasonable disease resistance but pest vigilance is still needed.

Clusters on new shoots and flower buds; honeydew promotes mold; distorted growth tips Spray with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage predatory insects

Skeletonized foliage and destroyed blooms from midsummer adults feeding in groups Hand-pick into soapy water early morning; pyrethrin spray as backup; remove by hand consistently

Canes and foliage browsed to stubs, especially in spring; clean-cut stems at browse height Use deer repellent spray; install wire cages around new plantings; fence the garden perimeter

Ragged holes in low-growing foliage; slime trails on leaves and soil nearby Apply iron phosphate slug bait; use copper barriers; remove moist hiding spots near the plant