knock out roses

Question

A problem with my knock out roses, they develop a bud and before they bloom they shrivel and dry up. Overall the rose bush looks healthy. Does this happen to anyone else?

Answer 1

Typically when this happens it is due to Thrips on the roses. They are very tiny and hard to spot. I suggest the use of either a systemic spray or systemic granules to get them. Check the insecticide label and make sure Thrips are listed. Since they get into the buds it is very hard to get at them with anything other than a systemic which moves through the rosebushes in their own natural juices.