Witches’ broom like appearance and small twisted leaves are characteristic symptoms of the disease. The vector eriophyid mite cannot be seen without magnification. The first sign of the symptom is the unusual pigmentation of the leaves.

Rapid growth from certain sections of the stem, dying branches, thorn proliferation, unusual reddening of leaves that doesn’t change with age are major symptoms of the disease. The disease symptoms can be confused with herbicide injury.

Unusual leaf shape on plants with rose rosette disease.

Severe thorn proliferation is a symptom of the disease. Some rose varieties have natural thorn proliferation, however that tends to be consistent across branches and not as numerous as seen in this picture. In some cases plant stress due to environmental conditions can also cause this symptom.

A set of flower buds that are severely distorted due to the disease. The plant and flower quality is fully affected at this stage.

Distorted flower bud; leaf developing from flower bud can also been seen.

Development of leaves directly from the bud. The disease can completely kill the plant in 1-3 years.