SPRAY DAMAGE

Identification

There may be times in a gardener’s life when this is found. It is caused by Glyphosate Weedicide spray. Roses are as susceptible as grasses and other plants to this spray, but can overcome the damage if it is not too severe.

Control

If accidently sprayed it takes time for the plant to recover. Cut back very severely to eliminate as much sprayed material as possible and keep moist. Can take 12 months to begin to recover. Most gardeners will remove the plant which is sometimes safer as there is no guarantee the plant will recover fully.

Another similar look is called Spring Dwarfing where the first shoots after spring appears with this wispy, ferny look. Unknown what causes this problem which only occurs in spring but plants do grow out of it. May be linked with ingredients in chemical sprays which may have translocated into your property from other locations over winter.