What are the leathery reddish branches that appear on knock out roses?

Is this a disease or something else? I just cut a branch like this off two of my Blush Knock Out roses.


Here is a link to an image of a "Home Run" with and without :


http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showima...


http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showima...

What are the leathery reddish branches that appear on knock out roses?
Not a disease. It's normal growth. Or at least, not unusual. Pigmentation difference - does not affect the health of the plant. Often new growth is 'redder" that older growth, as well. And some varieties more than others.
Reply:Looked at both pictures. The reddish branches look like normal new growth to me. The important thing would be to locate the origin of the branches. If they are coming from below ground they could be coming from the parent root stock, in which case they should be cut off and not allowed to grow. If from above the bud union, they are just new growth. I've seen a lot of this kind of thing.