| Karen Henderson, February 17, 2005
Is there a rugosa type rose that is resistant to Japanese beetles??? Thank you Karen Henderson |
| 2/17/05 Karen, Japanese beetles and Rugosa roses come from the same homeland and I believe that they have coevolved, so I do not believe that you will find a Rugosa rose that is not attractive to Japanese Beetles. Jerry Cinnamon
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| 2/17/05 Dear Karen, I am afraid the Rugosa roses are most definately NOT resistant to Japanese Beetles. Actually they simply ADORE them! Sorry, Joan Gotlibson |
| Karen Henderson, February 17, 2005
Is there a shrub rose similar to a rugosa that does not attract beetles?? |
| 2/17/05 Most likely yes with limitations. When nothing else is available, Japanese Beetles will eat almost any vegetation. However, they like fragrant plants such as Rugosas and they may like light colored plants. So you are looking for perhaps a shrub, that is cold hardy, does not have a strong fragrance, and maybe a bit dark. Uhm! I suppose that you want it to rebloom too! Maybe you should look at Knockout which is disease resistant, red in color, pretty cold hardy, and not much fragrance. There are new mutations (sports) of Knockout that are pink (blushing Knockout) and dark pink (I think). This blooms most of the season and looks good enmass. The plant still attracts beetles, but not as many as the Rugosas. I have a line of about 10 plants. I understand that the Brooklyn botantical Garden has planted them enmass around a pool. For now, this is my best suggestion. Jerry Cinnamon
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| 2/18/05 Hi Jerry ~ I never thought about Knockout. that is a great suggestion. Thank you. It is a good plant and I like it. I appreciate your taking your time with me. Will the MRS have a workshop this spring as you did last year? Karen Henderson |
