Problem around crown

Hi,

I have a DA rose that I planted last year ("Emily Bronte"). Several months after planting it, two branches broke off near the crown and I noticed the the area was quite woody & brittle. The same happened yesterday with another large branch, after the wind we have been having.

I haven't experienced this with any of the other roses I have, so I wonder if it is a disease that's causing the base of the branches to become brittle. And - being an amateur gardener myself-I can't distinguish if this could be a case of crown gall, or something else, or whether it might actually be normal for some roses. Could you help please?

Thank you.

 

@CostasK I don't think it is crown gall. Either way as the rose was only planted last year (presumably that was also when it was bought) I would contact DA and discuss with them.

 

Thank you very much Nigel. I hope you are right as I love this rose & it seems to be doing alright, excluding this issue. Good idea, I will email them and ask for advice.