I believe all roses are vulnerable, tho some are less so and those with multiflora in their genes--ie, a lot of hybrid musks--are more vulnerable than others. But that is my experience and not strict science. Maybe Ann Peck knows how carefully any given rose has been tested. Resistance is not the same as completely invulnerable. Yes, the mites can travel that far. They are wind blown.

My understanding is that any rose on which the wind lands a mite is susceptible to getting RRD.

I have dug up one rose with RRD per year for the past 4 years. The last one was just last month--and now I'm worried that my new climber has RRD. Spotted some slightly odd growth a couple weeks ago--cut out that entire cane in hopes that I caught it soon enough to help--but I don't really know if it was RRD or not. I'm just paranoid enough now that I look around expecting it to pop up anywhere!

As to the hybrid musk's being more susceptible idea, I don't think so--at least as far as my garden goes. Of the four that got it, plus the new one that maybe has it, only 1 was a hybrid musk. The others were 1 new tiny floribunda, 1 big old climber, 1 newer climber, and perhaps 1 brand-new Austin climber.

I think what is so aggravating about RRD is that it seems totally irrational and entirely a "by chance" thing--nothing predictable or controllable about it!

I too know of no source, although there is some will stuff growing outside of town, about a mile from here. Don't know if that includes wild multifloras or not.

Kate

Lainey, The bright pink rose you're referring to is 'The McCartney Rose', an HT that is definitely susceptible to RRD. The rose that does show a degree of resistance is 'Macartney Rose', a species rose (R. bracteata).

Here's the relevant section of a VA Extension Service publication regarding 'Macartney Rose' and RRD:

"A species called the McCartney (sic) rose, which exists as a weed in Texas, is susceptible to RRD but resistant to feeding by the mites that transmit the disease. It may be possible, through breeding techniques, to incorporate this mite resistance into cultivated roses in the future. In the meantime, it would be wise to assume that all cultivated roses are potentially susceptible to the disease and to be on the lookout for symptoms of rose rosette."

Incidentally, 'Macartney Rose' (aka 'Chickasaw Rose') exists as a weed in many parts of the South, not just in Texas as the article implies.

Here's a link to the entire article . . .

Here is a link that might be useful: VA Cooperative Extension -- RRD

I read that the shears to prune out the affected cane will transfer unless cleaned with rubbing alcohol in between. Also that if one is infected, chances are it's only a matter of time before the others are infected.?
here
s the link I read, hope it helps; http://hg.ohio.com/2011/06/bygl-june-16-2011/

I wonder if 'Madame Plantier' is resistant. I have had eight cases of RRD this year and four of them all around her, one touching her. She is 10' wide and the tallest shrub in my garden, ideally positioned to intercept drifting mites, but she is OK so far.

Thank you Jaxondel. You may have saved me from chasing down the wrong rose. French Cuffs, I've read experts who claim the clipers can transfer the virus and those who say it can't. I sterilize just in case. Keep you eye on MP, Michaelg. You may be on to something. I'll replant in the spring, but eventually, I'll probably give up on roses if I keep losing them. This makes six loses for my small garden. Very sad/

The whole garden will be infected eventually if you fail to deal properly with the cases as they arise. I wasn't prompt and careful enough this spring.

Michaelg with 8 cases in a year, I wonder if your advice to paint the cut stems with round-up is causing some/many/most of these cases.

No, there are infected multiflora in the neighborhood, and the rosette symptoms have been pretty much unmistakeable.