Question
My shrub roses have been 90% stripped of their leaves by an insect, I assume.  This has also happened to two other bushes, not in this same area.  I have knockout roses next to the shrub
rose, but it has not been disturbed.  I have tried soap, insecticide, even Sevin.  Nothing seems to
be helping.  The plant regains strength, produces some leaves and next thing, they're gone.  The canes are starting to dieback.  I'm afraid I'm going to lose these roses.  
Any suggestions?
Judith in Richmond, VA

Answer
Many times when there are insects eating rose leaves, after they have finished eating they hide in the soil at the base of the rose bush. Spraying all around the base is a good idea because when they come out to feed the insecticide gets them. Also some insects hide on the underside of the leaves and if you don't spray there then they can come out and continue to eat the leaves. The last area that they can be hiding in, is a plant next or near the rose and when they finish eating, they go back to the other plant and hide there. Any plant needs it's leaves to live and can't take too much abuse so the canes will start to die back. Getting rid of the insects will solve the problem. Beetles make sharp edges when they eat, caterpillars make long rounded holes but animals, such as a rabbit, sometimes cut the leaves off at the base where they are attached. It pays to know the enemy before you can fight them. Soap gets rid of caterpillars and because beetles have a hard shell you need something stronger such as Orthos Rose Pride Insecticide. After using a spray, cut the canes back until the inside is a pale green and has no brown in it.