The best way to treat a troublesome pest infestation is naturally – preferably by Integrated Pest Management. If all non-chemical attempts fail, however, and a beloved container rose just can’t pull through, you might be considering taking drastic measures – and how drastic a situation becomes is typically defined by the gardener. If you’ve got a suffering container rose that you just can’t do without, and all your non-chemical attempts to help the plant pull through have failed, it might be time to consider a systemic pesticide.
Systemic pesticides should only be used as a last resort, once all natural control methods have been tried. Due to their potential to harm beneficial insects, it’s best to avoid using systemic pesticides on outdoor landscape plants and to restrict them to container roses.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Systemic pesticides – including popular combination products that mix fertilizer and pesticide – are absorbed by rose plants through their roots, making them toxic to many insect pests. The products are especially effective when used against the chewing and sucking insects (like aphids and the larvae of flying insects) that are specifically listed on the label.
But there are a number of downsides to using systemic pesticides, and these should be taken into serious consideration before using such a product. Because systemic pesticides are indiscriminate poisons, they kill beneficial insects along with the harmful ones, increasing your reliance on garden chemical solutions as your garden’s natural predators are eliminated. These chemicals are also believed to negatively affect plant growth.
Due to their potential to harm beneficials, systemic pesticides should not be used on outdoor landscape plants. Restrict them to container roses and indoor plants if possible. For best results, follow the application steps shown in the following pictures and described in their captions. And remember: Systemic pesticides should only be used as a last resort.
Applying Systemic Insecticide
Systemic Insecticide - Step 1
Note: Remember, systemic insecticides are poison, so always wear rubber gloves when applying them!
Remove and discard any mulch to expose the plant’s soil. Next, get rid of any hidden pests and their eggs.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Systemic Insecticide - Step 2
Read the label instructions carefully and completely. Measure the recommended amount of pesticide. Sprinkle the granules around the perimeter of the container in a 4-inch-wide band.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Systemic Insecticide - Step 3
Using a hand rake, work the pesticide into the surface of the soil.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Systemic Insecticide - Step 4
Water the plant deeply after applying the systemic insecticide, collecting and safely disposing of runoff bearing any pesticide residue.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Systemic Insecticide - Step 5
Thoroughly wash all utensils, and safely dispose of all empty containers, following the exact label recommendations. Wash hands thoroughly when finished.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
