A deadly disease is making its mark in North Texas flower beds. Rose Rosette Disease, or RRD, afflicts healthy rose bushes (even traditionally disease-free varieties such as "Knockout" and "Drift") with a microscopic mite. Symptoms include:
-Excessive thorns
-Red pigmentation in stems and leaves
-Small and deformed leaves
-Excessive lateral shoot growth
Infected plants will not recover. However, residents can protect other plants by properly removing and disposing of diseased rose bushes. The City of Allen has arranged special plant disposal through Community Waste Disposal (CWD). Residents can schedule a pickup time by calling CWD at 972.392.9300 (option 2). Roses will be picked up on your designated bulky item pickup day. Please do not add infected roses to your own composte pile.
To properly dispose of infected roses, cover the bush with a plastic bag before uprooting. Ensure all branches, roots and leaves are removed from the area. If you have multiple rose bushes in close proximity to the infected plant, consider removing all of them. (The plants may be infected, even if they haven't shown symptoms yet.) Tie bags tightly and schedule disposal as soon as possible.