5 Common Rose Problems & How To Treat ThemGardening News & Inspiration | Rose Care Tips & Advice, Tips & Advice | 3 minutes of reading | By Matthew Peck Roses transform a garden into a delight for the senses by combining fragrance, beauty and colour in varieties that suit every style. By following simple rose care advice, you can enjoy magnificent blooms for many years but even the most committed gardener can face challenges.Here are the top 5 rose pest and disease questions we get asked and how you can manage them on your blooms:Q1. Why are tiny clusters of green or black insects appearing on my rose? They are clustering around the buds, foliage and shoot tips, leaving a sticky sap.Likely cause: Aphids Depending on the severity of the infestation, you can manage aphids by: Squashing them with your fingers Using a hose to wash them off Inviting natural predators, such as Ladybirds, into your garden e.g. companion planting with Marigolds. Using an organic spray such as Bug Clear Plant Shield to protect your roseQ2.Why are dark purple and black marks appearing on the leaves and stems of my rose? The foliage is falling off prematurely.Likely cause: Black spot This is a very common issue, but luckily it is simple to treat. You can manage it by: Cutting out infected stems and removing fallen leaves (Dispose in your garden waste). Using a product such as Vitax Rose Guard Rose Tonic to treat and support the health of your rose. Adding a protective layer of mulch around the base of your rose in winter Creating airy growth by pruning out weak and crossing stems between January and FebruaryQ3. Why is white powdery fungal growth covering the leaves and stems of my rose? Likely cause: Powdery mildew This is another common issue that is often caused by lack of airflow and poor drainage around your rose. You can manage it by: Pruning out the infected growth by making a clean slanted cut above a leaf joint Improving your soil by adding farmyard manure or fine horticultural grit Creating airflow by pruning out weak and crossing stems Using a fungicide spray such as Rose Clear 3 in 1 Ready to Use SprayQ4. Why have the stems of my roses turned brown?Likely cause: Dieback This can be caused by frost damage, incorrect pruning, root decay or a fungal disease such as rose canker or grey mould. It is easy to spot and can be managed by: Pruning out the affected growth by making a clean, slanted cut above a leaf joint (Dispose in your garden waste) Improving the overall health of your rose with a controlled release feed. Apply a product such as David Austin Controlled Release Rose Food in April and June Applying an application of Mycorrhizal Fungi to encourage strong root growthQ5. Why is the foliage on my rose covered in orange-coloured spots?Likely cause: Rose rust This is caused by fungus that appears as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaves with orange spores underneath. They gradually turn black, and it may cause the foliage to fall off early. You can manage it by: Pruning out the infected stems with a clean slanted cut, using sharp secateurs Collecting and destroying the fallen leaves in autumn to prevent the disease from spreading Using a fungicide spray such as Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus SprayBy following a few simple steps, you can protect your roses from a host of pests and diseases. For further information about caring for your roses read our guides: Rose Pruning Tips for Bountiful Blooms & Roses: Planting & Care. Share this article
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