What Causes Holes in Rose Leaves?

There are clear reasons why this happens, and understanding them can help you keep your roses healthy. In this blog post, we’ll explore what causes holes in rose leaves, why it matters, and how you can help your plants thrive.

3 Main Reasons

Insects Loves Your Roses

Many bugs see rose leaves as a tasty snack. Here are the main ones that might be munching on your plants:

• Caterpillars: These wiggly creatures are the larvae of moths or butterflies. They chew big, uneven holes in leaves and might even roll the leaves to hide inside. You might spot small black droppings near the holes, which is a clue they’re around.
• Japanese Beetles: These shiny green and copper beetles love roses. They eat the soft parts of the leaves, leaving a lacy pattern behind. You’ll often see them in groups during summer.
• Rose Slugs: These aren’t true slugs but tiny larvae of sawflies. They’re small, green, and hard to spot, but they scrape away at leaves, creating see-through patches or holes.
• Aphids: These tiny bugs suck sap from leaves, which can weaken them and cause curling or small holes. They’re usually found in clusters on new growth.

If you see holes, check your plants closely. Look under the leaves and along the stems to spot these insects. Catching them early makes it easier to manage the problem.

Diseases That Harm Leaves

Sometimes, holes aren’t caused by bugs but by a disease. One common issue is black spot, a fungal disease that creates dark spots on leaves. As the spots grow, the damaged tissue can fall out, leaving holes. Black spot loves warm, humid weather, and you’ll often see it after rainy days. Another disease, downy mildew, can also cause yellowing leaves that eventually develop holes if untreated.

Keeping your roses healthy by watering them at the base (not overhead) and removing fallen leaves can help prevent these diseases from spreading.

Environmental or Physical Damage

Not every hole comes from a bug or disease. Sometimes, the environment plays a role:

• Wind or Hail: Strong winds or hail can tear leaves, leaving jagged holes. If you’ve had stormy weather, this might be the cause.
• Chemical Damage: If you use sprays on your plants, some chemicals can burn leaves, causing holes or dead spots. Always follow instructions when using garden products.
• Animals: In rare cases, small animals like rabbits or deer might nibble on your roses, though they usually cause bigger damage than tiny holes.

Check the weather history or look for signs like animal tracks to rule these out.

Why Does This Matter?

Holes in rose leaves aren’t just about looks. They can weaken your plant, making it harder for it to grow flowers or stay healthy. Leaves help the plant make food through sunlight, so too many holes can slow growth or invite more pests and diseases. By figuring out what’s causing the holes, you can take steps to protect your roses and keep them blooming beautifully.

How Can You Stop the Holes?

Once you know what’s causing the holes, you can take action. Here are some simple tips that even kids can help with:

• Pick Off Bugs: If you see caterpillars or beetles, gently remove them by hand (wear gloves if you’re squeamish!). Drop them into soapy water to stop them from coming back.
• Use Safe Sprays: For pests like aphids or rose slugs, a mild soap-and-water spray can work wonders. Mix a teaspoon of dish soap with a quart of water and spray the leaves.
• Clean Up: Remove any fallen leaves around your roses. This helps stop diseases like black spot from spreading.
• Water Smart: Water your roses early in the morning at the base of the plant, not on the leaves. Wet leaves can encourage fungi.
• Check Often: Look at your roses every few days to catch problems early. The sooner you spot bugs or sick leaves, the easier it is to fix.

If you’re not sure what’s causing the holes, ask a local garden center for help. They can look at your plants and suggest the best solution.