Question
My grandmother's heirloom rose that I grew from a cutting several years ago picked up witches broom. I don't know if there is any other sources of this rose that had been growing in the same place since about 1900 so I am loathe to destroy my cutting.
I have the info that I must destroy the diseased rose and remove the soil where it was growing. Is this correct? Please give me correct instructions.
If I can remove all of the underground shoots and roots of this rose and the soil, can I plant another shoot (uncontaminated) of the same rose there and if so, how long should I wait before doing so?-that is, if I can find another source of this old rose.

Answer
I am so sorry about your heirloom rose. Rose Rosette is the worst disease a rose can get. It is carried by a tiny mite on the wind and when it lands on a rose it injects a disease that gets into the sap of the rose bush and causes abnormal growth. I am afraid the soil will be contaminated and no matter how careful you are, there will be be some evidence of the disease that will transfer to another newly planted rose bush as the mites can overwinter in the soil.
Before I give you this advice, please be aware that this disease will spread quickly to any other roses in your garden and that is why all advice is to dig up and get rid of the roses by burning them which kills the mites.
If a rose has JUST got the disease there is something you can try. Cut the rose way back to about 12 inches. CAREFULLY cut off the canes one by one and after cutting place them in a plastic garbage bag and do not shake them. Experts even suggest removing your outer clothing and placing it in the washing machine just in case there are mites on it. Hold the cane with one hand, cut with another and then place in the bag. This disease is not transferred by pruning. After all the canes are cut, tie the bag up tight. Then spray the rose with a miticide ( a nasty type of systemic insecticide) and then cover right to the ground with a clear plastic bag and tie up tight.  Keep it one for about 3 days then remove. If the problem has just started there is a SMALL chance that it will solve the problem but I must impress upon you that success is very small indeed. I wouldn't place another rose in the same hole if the miticide doesn't work. If you have the name of the rose I may be able to locate one for you. Cuttings are best done in a pot where you can control their growth for at least a couple of seasons especially when the rose is so important to you.