Ladybugs are seldom stored under appropriate conditions. So, their deaths are likely unrelated to any "toxics."

Beyond that, realize that aphids are easy to manage. Squish. Or wash them off.

A sharp spray of water will wash those buggers off the plant. Some people think they simply return but they don't and those you see after hosing off the previous generation are the new generations. Aphids start producing live young almost as soon as they are born themselves so you might have 5 or 6 generations on your rose in various stages of development. A spray bottle works quite well for one or two roses.

Thanks you two... I've been spraying off the aphids... and that seems to be working... but the poor rose seems to be under stress of somesort... lots of yellow leaves... I'm taking a hands off attitude and sending it lots of positive thinking... and keeping my fingers crossed... it's not happy, but we shall see.

Are you watering enough? Roses still in black nursery containers need a lot of water.

- HershiGrl