This morning I was drawn in by the contrast of a Beauty and a Beast not far from each other in the garden. Let's start with the beast or monster rose showing up on the usually beautiful Tradescant. I don't know what it is called or what causes it, but sometimes roses will produce what I have often called "Frenzied Growth." This out of control growth sends out very large rapidly growing canes which are covered with thorns and produce malformed blooms that look like something from Little Shop of Horrors. Other parts of the bush seem normal but this growth is just bizarre. If any of you can tell me what this is called or what causes it I would appreciate your help. I'm not too troubled by it because it seems to settles down after a while but is just weird. Right now Lavender Lassie and Buff Beauty are affected along with Tradescant.
EDIT: After reading much of http://www.rosegeek.com/ a website suggested by HolleyGarden, I decided that Rose Rosette Disease is the likely culprit and early this morning went out and removed all canes which appeared to affected. In fact, the site scared me a bit and I'm sure I might have even removed some health growth in over vigilance. The description as "Witches' Broom" fit for an area of growth not pictured. RRD appears to be spread through a mite. The product used for this particular mite is no longer on the market. More research ahead. I will keep an eye on these roses and will remove them if I was unable to remove the disease from the rose.
Now for the beauty. I really like Treasure Trail, the Moss Rose released in 2009 by Paul Barden. It is a compact grower with very healthy, glossy, dark green foliage. Flowers on Treasure Trail are 2 1/2-3" in size, quartered, cupped, and usually has a button eye in the center. The color of the salmon pink flowers is quite unique having a yellow center and often a hint of lavender. Treasure Trail's flowers last a long time on the bush or when cut and brought into the house. The mossy growth on the the buds, sepals, and stems always draws the attention of garden visitors. Someday I will have to do a blog on Treasure Trail by itself. Those unfamiliar with Moss Roses might confuse its mossing with the previously mentioned "frenzied growth" but it is totally different and entirely desirable.
