Knockout Rose Buds Are Falling Off Before Blooming

Question From: C. Thompson - Louisville, Kentucky, United States
Q: My knockout roses bloomed heavily, then I trimmed off old blooms, then noticed the new bloom shoots were falling off the plant before it bloomed the second time. There is no bugs noticable, no disease symtoms that I can find. The new shoot with the tiny rose bud just are falling off the stems. Do you have any ideas?

A: Could be bud worms. If you cut the buds open you may find a tiny worm inside. Thrips also cause bud drop. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy