Question
I have a BEAUTIFUL Knock-Out-Rose about 3 years old now. I have recently noticed a black coloration on 1/3 of the stems, on the mulch around the rose base and on some under leaves. It almost looks like the bush got burned because it is so BLACK but it did NOT. I see tiny bugs crawling all over this area but they are not attached to the plant like aphids would be. My husband thinks it's bug related I think maybe fungi - I just don't know. I have other Knockout's surrounding this rose and they are fine but I don't want to loose any of them!!!!!  I love this rose as it has thrived so well in the sun and heat with very little care even though I tote.  What is my rose problem? How do I help my plant get better and do well again?  Please help! Thnx

Answer
Without seeing the rose, it sounds like you have a case of fireblight. It is unusual in roses but they are part of the apple, peaches etc family which get it often. The whole plant or even just the top mainly looks like someone took a blowtorch to it. It is a fungus that is causing the problem. It would be a wisdom to dig the plant out as it will infect those other roses around it. If your rose was a rare or sentimental one, I would suggest using a copper bordeaux mixture to try and get rid of the fungus but because it is replaceable it really is better to dig it out.