Question
I planted Just Joey standard roses 4 years ago - I have pruned the last 3 years and they have been flowering well. They are just budding after a good prune and I have noticed that on one of the plants the buds are tiny and all turned to the side - whilst all the other plants buds are large, tall and straight and ready to bloom. Do you know what would make this occur - last season this plant was fine?

Answer
There is a tiny insect called a Rose midge which makes a pinhole at the base of the developing bud. Then she lays her eggs there and when the young hatch, they feed on the buds and damage them. They grow sideways or hang down because the nutrients can't get through the damaged stem. Any rose spray for midges will solve the problem. However also make sure you spray all around the base of Just Joey, as there could be some midges hiding in the soil and they will emerge and start to lays eggs again. There may not be any adults in the soil but best to be on the safe side. Also remove all the damaged buds and put them in the garbage.