New Growth on a Rose Bush That Is Wilting

Rose Scales

• Rose scales are small insects that suck the fluid from new growth and cause the entire plant to go limp and die. To prevent the occurrence of rose scale, apply horticultural oil while the shrub is still dormant. Follow the manufacturer's directions, and apply a second dose if you notice more scales later in the growing season. Scales are between 1/8 to 1/4 inch and range in color from white to brownish gray.

Cankers

• Cankers grow around rose bush canes where they perform an action that is called "girdling." The canker acts as a girdle, wrapping around the stem and cutting off circulation to the rest of the branch. New growth wilts first, followed by older growth. Prevent cankers by applying lime sulfur spray in early spring before the first flush of growth. If your bush is already infected with canker disease, then remove the infected canes, taking care to clean shears with an alcohol-based solution to prevent the disease's spread.

Other Insects

• Other insects that damage foliage and cause foliage discoloration, wilted appearance and failure to thrive include thrips, cane borer, rose midges and aphids. Spraying your bush with a steady stream of water on both the over and underside of the foliage, is an effective means of disturbing pests and inhibiting their spread. Other diseases black spot, rust and powdery mildew destroy foliage appearance and have the potential to weaken and kill a rose bush. Avoid these diseases by watering rose bushes in the early morning. The bushes will have time to aerate and dry prior to nightfall, when these diseases tend to establish.

Growing Conditions

• Wilting behaviors are often attributed to root rot. When root systems are unable to take up water, new growth suffers and can wilt. Too much water damages rose bush roots. The root systems are essentially drowning and unable to provide moisture to the entire plant. Before planting a rose bush make certain that your soil drains well and that the bush is not at the bottom of a slope or in a depressed area prone to standing water.