Pest identification
What's eating my veterans' honor rose?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, curled new leaves; soft insects clustered on buds and stem tips; sooty mold on honeydew
Control: Hose off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps
Japanese Beetle
Signs: Rapid defoliation; skeletonized leaves; adult beetles consume flower petals in July–August
Control: Early morning hand-picking into soapy water; pyrethrin spray; consistent removal over several weeks
Rose Sawfly (Larva)
Signs: Translucent window-pane patches on leaves progressing to full leaf loss; pale larvae on undersides
Control: Hand-remove larvae; spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; inspect weekly in spring
Keep veterans' honor rose pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Veterans' Honor Rose pests — FAQ
What is eating my veterans' honor rose?
Veterans' Honor Rose is a deep-red Hybrid Tea that attracts aphids, Japanese beetles, and rose sawfly in garden settings. Deer readily browse red-flowered roses. Aphids are the most consistent problem, massing on new growth through the season. Regular scouting and prompt treatment preserve the long cutting stems this rose is known for.
How do I get rid of aphids on veterans' honor rose?
Sticky, curled new leaves; soft insects clustered on buds and stem tips; sooty mold on honeydew Hose off with water; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; introduce ladybugs or parasitic wasps
How do I get rid of japanese beetle on veterans' honor rose?
Rapid defoliation; skeletonized leaves; adult beetles consume flower petals in July–August Early morning hand-picking into soapy water; pyrethrin spray; consistent removal over several weeks
How do I get rid of rose sawfly (larva) on veterans' honor rose?
Translucent window-pane patches on leaves progressing to full leaf loss; pale larvae on undersides Hand-remove larvae; spinosad or insecticidal soap spray; inspect weekly in spring