My sister-in-law had a trigger thumb this past summer, she got a cortisone shot, and today her thumb is as good as new.

I have two of them, those workhorse llithium powered pruners....a little chunky and not as maneuverable as the manual pruners are, but boy do they cut lickity split. They are intimidating, and both of mine, once the trigger is depressed, watch out....no last minute changes are possible, and the cut cannot suddenly be halted in mid-cut. Your tool holding/operating hand is safe, but your free hand must be held well clear of the pruner. I've often thought that for safety's sake I should tie my free hand behind my back! 😁

Moses.

I have used super sharp ARS Japanese steel pruners for years. They cut beautifully, and the people I've recommended them to love them as well. Check Amazon for the ARS pruners, loppers, and pruning saws. I love Fiskars loppers as well. Diane

For me Chilli thrips come back every summer at peak hot dry weather . So washing the entire bush is good for prevention .

They affect the top of the plant & new growth mostly . As soon as I see any leaf marbling , distorted or stunted leaves I know they are back . So I trim & treat immediately .

@ocbrian1 corrected me it is a fig eater, we always just called them JB. Even tho I have no figs they are still in my yard, and will shatter any open rose. I believe they have the same characteristics as JB.

@ocbrian1 - Where are you getting the beneficial insects from? I have loads of praying mantis in my yard, not sure where they came from but I will take em.

According to several articles I read after ocbrian's post, the fig eater beetles are FAR less destructive than Japanese beetles. So I guess be really thankful that you have them instead of Japanese beetles :-D

Maybe the root ball had broken during shipping because there was nothing to support it ? so the rose was compromised before even planting .

This happened to me twice this year. One with a bare root rose that never broke dormancy until early summer, once it finally did send up one little green shoot that did nothing. The canes finally turned black and died. I did contact the seller regarding the rose not breaking dormancy, but since it was still green nothing could be done. By the time it finally died their warranty period was over.

The second time this season was a rose from J&P that arrived dead and moldy, this was due to the heat and I did receive a refund. Its hard not to take advantage of the summer sales.

Dianela, Lakeview Roses may be offering Caramel Kisses for 2027. Ordering opens up Oct. 15th and should be on multiflora rootstock. You can check their website.