rose rosette disease symptoms

Rose rosette disease symptoms. Photo: Mary Ann Hansen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org

Updated: September 11, 2026

Rose rosette disease (RRD) is a viral infection that can affect roses. It is fairly common, and occurs in both cultivated roses as well as invasive rose species that grow in natural areas, such as multiflora rose.

Rose rosette disease symptoms

  • Reddening of the stems and stunted growth; note that, by itself, a reddish coloration to new growth is not a reliable symptom of RRD
  • Disfigured leaves, often looking stringier (more slender) and smaller than normal
  • Congested or unusually clustered new growth (called proliferation)
  • More numerous and pliable thorns than those found on asymptomatic stems
  • Aborted flowers -- they don't form properly, or fall off prematurely

Infected roses may die within two years.

A rose branch with multiple congested, reddish growth points along the stem. The leaves are stunted, and the short new branches are crowded.
Rose rosette disease symptoms on a multiflora rose stem. The new growth is congested, with stunted and reddened leaves, and its thorns are unusually dense and slender.
Photo: Dawn Dailey O'Brien, Cornell University, Bugwood.org

How does rose rosette spread?

The virus is primarily transmitted by an eriophyid mite. They are microscopic in size, elongate in shape, and cream-colored. They tend to congregate in nooks and crannies of the plant where pesticide sprays will not effectively reach them. These mites can be blown around on wind currents to reach new plants, and when they feed on an infected plant, they can vector the virus when they later feed on healthy roses.

Tiny, creamy-white, rice-shaped mites and smaller round eggs scattered on a rose leaf base under high magnification.
Microscope view of eriophyid mites (elongate) and their eggs (round). The mites are feeding in the junction between a leaf base, bud, and stem on a multiflora rose with symptoms of RRD. Photo: Karen Rane, University of Maryland Extension

Actions that bring virus-contaminated sap into contact with a healthy plant's sap can also transmit the disease. Infections can begin by grafting cuttings (to propagate the rose) and using pruning tools on an infected plant that are not disinfected before being used on another rose.

The widespread invasive species multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora) serves as the main source of infection in ornamental plantings.

Clumps of dense, reddish, stunted new growth on rose stems.
Characteristic symptoms of RRD on a multiflora rose. The new growth looks distinctly abnormal (stunted, congested, and redder) in comparison to the asymptomatic foliage in the foreground. Photo: Karen Rane, University of Maryland Extension

Management strategies

  • This virus only affects roses, but there is no treatment or cure once a plant is infected.
  • Watch for symptoms: early detection is important to prevent further disease spread within a rose planting.
  • Infected roses should be removed promptly. The disease is systemic, present in all tissues (including the roots and stems that still look normal), so you cannot prune out the infection by removing symptomatic growth.
  • Any remaining roses should be closely monitored for symptoms.
  • Since multiflora roses are invasive and can be a virus reservoir, they should be removed from the vicinity when possible.
  • Interrupting the wind from areas that may have infected multiflora roses might interfere with the spread of the mites, as it is not feasible or effective to use pesticides on the roses to control the mites once they arrive. If possible, plant upwind of "wild" roses and consider using a wind screen planting to intercept windblown mites.
  • If you need to replace a plant, avoid planting a new rose, as the same source of mites that likely introduced the prior shrub to the infection could blow in again.
  • Clean pruning tools that were used on a diseased rose with sanitizing wipes. Avoid using bleach, which can corrode the metal and make the tool harder to sanitize in the future.

Additional resource

Early Detection of Rose Rosette Disease (PDF) | The University of Tennessee