Question
upstate NY

i have been nurturing a climbing rose that came with our house for about 18 years (i have no knowledge of roses). I have never fertilized, used to spray with soapy water for afids and have had to spray with ortho insect control over the last few years (green boring worm). Apparently this year, in finishing up a couple of near empties, I over sprayed with ortho at time of full bud no bloom. Within 24 hours parts of the bush have turned brown, and rose buds are drooping and turning brown. The day after I sprayed the bush with water to wash off any excess. But I need advice on damage control. We have had little rain in the last two weeks. My tendency is to water regularly and cut out anything that has turned brown or looks damaged.

Any advice would be welcome.

thanks

Answer
Because you have been nursing your climber for so long, it doesn't sound ilk e a very vigorous rose. That may mean it won't survive the excessive amount of Orthos spray. I would cut back the rose to about a third, taking ALL the leaves as well as any brown canes left. Roses can produce three sets of leaves without any problems, and also keep up with the watering. Don't forget to water well all around the base of the rose too as that is where the roots will be taking the spray up. It is difficult to say whether or not you will be able to save the rose as it will all depend on the amount of vigour the rose has to overcome the shock of poison.