Rose Mosaic Virus
Yellow blotches, lines, or striking patterns on the leaves, mottled flower color and stunted growth may mean your rose is suffering from rose mosaic virus.
The symptoms of rose mosaic virus are quite variable, usually appear in spring and remain throughout the growing season. The whole plant, a single stem, or a portion of the plant may exhibit symptoms even though the whole plant is infected. So pruning off those plant parts that display symptoms will not control the disease.
Fortunately rose mosaic virus does not spread from infected to healthy rose plants in the garden. It is only spread through vegetative propagation. This means you can leave virus infected plants in the garden until their poor growth and flowering make them undesirable. Then remove and destroy the infected plants.
Avoid this disease by purchasing certified virus-free plants.
A bit more information: Monitor your plants for this and other diseases. Watch for black spots on leaves that may indicate black spot disease. If your rose has red leaves and stems, deformed leaves and fine twiggy growth, it may be suffering from rose rosette virus.
Related
Article
Article
Article
Article
Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes
Register here
Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO
Madison, WI
More information
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
Feb. 25, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Flowering Houseplants
Register here
Mar. 5, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Start New Plants from Seeds, Cuttings and More
Register here
Mar. 11, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Save Money & Boost Your Growing Success with Bare Root Plants
Register here
Mar. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Patio, Deck and Balcony Gardens
Register here
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
April 1, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Growing a Bountiful Harvest
Register here
May 6, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Adding Native Plants
to Any Size Gardening Space
Register here
June 3, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Managing Your Landscape
with Pollinators in Mind
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More


