Heat and bugs threaten rose bushes

Frank Brines

ARS Master Rosarian

Summer is certainly upon us – and based on past experience, it's only going to get hotter before it gets cooler. (I didn't need to tell you that at the beginning of August, did I?) 2022 is and has been very unusual weather-wise, breaking records all over the globe.

Since high summer temperatures and less-than-ideal conditions for roses are inevitable for the next couple of months, let's get ready! Stroll through your gardens in the a.m., look for leaf wilt, drying or discoloration of leaves and the general leaf reflectance (surface luster). If it appears dull,...