Can anyone identify this flower for me? I found it growing out of my DonJuan rose like mistletoe. It looks nothing like the roses that normally bloom from this plant.
The flower here is about a centimeter in size and bright red. It has small thorns that are not stiff or capable of harm and the leaves at it's base are small and round.
My rose has been grafted with a carnation I believe, and it looks nothing like a carnation so I've ruled that out as well.
I've looked in all my books and searched Google. If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

Pretty sure that is just a rose flower - probably one that got stunted by something - disease and herbicide injury are my first guesses, though cold, bugs or just random luck could be it too.

To be sure, google rose rosette disease and see if any of the images look similar.

If you have other roses and it is rosette disease you will want to get rid of it quickly to prevent spread. It's pretty bad news.

Your rose was probably not grafted with a carnation. Those are different species, and not really compatible. It would be quite a scientific breakthrough! Roses are often grafted with more vigorous rose species roots which may not have attractive blooms, but are still roses.

What makes you think it is a carnation?

Probably a typical sucker from Dr. Huey, which is a much used rootstock. Any shoot growing below the graft should be removed or it will take over.
You might find more info on our Rose Forum. Scroll down under Communities at the top of the page for a list of forums.

PlantingOaks said:Pretty sure that is just a rose flower - probably one that got stunted by something - disease and herbicide injury are my first guesses, though cold, bugs or just random luck could be it too.

To be sure, google rose rosette disease and see if any of the images look similar.

If you have other roses and it is rosette disease you will want to get rid of it quickly to prevent spread. It's pretty bad news.

Your rose was probably not grafted with a carnation. Those are different species, and not really compatible. It would be quite a scientific breakthrough! Roses are often grafted with more vigorous rose species roots which may not have attractive blooms, but are still roses.

What makes you think it is a carnation?

Thanks for the info! I have no knowledge of grafting myself. I was told that by the original owner of the bush.
I don't think it's rosette, the rest of the plant seems entirely healthy, even the new growth on the same stem seems to be normal.
I cut it off anyway though, just in case.

Perhaps 'Carnation' is the rose's name.

'Carnation' is a Rose, I think on own root.

Rose (Rosa 'Carnation')

oooh, mystery solved.

and a sigh of relief on rosette disease. Not being able to see the whole plant, I was worried for you!

Thanks for all the help. Since it wasn't growing near the base of the plant, I doubt it was rootstock. The rest of the branch is entirely normal. I guess maybe it was just a deformed or mutant bud.