Leaves on knockout roses are “disintegrating”

Question

We have three big knockout rose bushes in front of our house. They have done beautifully for 10 years. We pruned them back just a little this past winter (February). Although the bushes are blooming well, the leaves seem to be disintegrating. We don’t see any bugs but something is obviously eating them. Any suggestions? So far just the outer two bushes seem to be affected.

Answer 1

If the leaves are totally disappearing, then you likely have deer or elk visiting as the graze at night. If the leaves develop holes in them first then it would likely be a worm that hides beneath the foliage during the day, then comes out in the cool of the night to feed. You can usually catch these worms by going out after dark and inspecting the foliage with a flashlight. For insect problems spraying with an insecticide, being sure to get up under the foliage as much as possible is needed to stop the problem prior to it getting worse. If it is deer or elk, I recommend getting some of the Liquid Fence or Deer Scat repellents. Otherwise, once they get a taste for your roses and like the taste, they will return one night and can wipe them out totally! Nere are some article links for you that you may find useful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/

Answer 2

If the leaves are totally disappearing, then you likely have deer or elk visiting as the graze at night. If the leaves develop holes in them first then it would likely be a worm that hides beneath the foliage during the day, then comes out in the cool of the night to feed. You can usually catch these worms by going out after dark and inspecting the foliage with a flashlight. For insect problems spraying with an insecticide, being sure to get up under the foliage as much as possible is needed to stop the problem prior to it getting worse. If it is deer or elk, I recommend getting some of the Liquid Fence or Deer Scat repellents. Otherwise, once they get a taste for your roses and like the taste, they will return one night and can wipe them out totally! Nere are some article links for you that you may find useful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/roses/