Blackspot on roses and the cure
How to control black spot on roses with some winter care
Black spot is a common fungal disease that affects roses. To control it, you should follow these steps:
- Remove infected leaves: Regularly check your roses for signs of black spot, such as dark, circular spots on the leaves. Remove and destroy any leaves that are infected to prevent the fungus from spreading.
- Keep the area around the roses clean: Rake up and remove any fallen leaves, petals, or debris from around the base of the roses. This will help to reduce the number of spores that are present in the area.
- Water at the base of the plants: Water the roses at the base of the plants, rather than from above. This will help to keep the leaves dry, which will make it harder for the fungus to grow.
- Provide adequate air circulation: Space your roses so that they are not crowded and allow for good air circulation. This will help to dry the leaves quickly after rainfall, which will reduce the humidity that the fungus requires to grow.
- Use a fungicide: If the problem persists, use a fungicide that is specifically labelled for use on roses and black spot. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
- Use a resistant variety: Look for varieties of roses that are resistant to black spot, this way you will not have to deal with the fungus as often.
- In the winter when the roses are dormant you can remove and dead leaves on the plant and around the base, spray with a winter wash such as Vitax winter wash or Jeyes fluid. Then after you have applied the winter wash mulch around the base if the rose with a mulch such as compost or spend mushroom compost to stop the dormant fungal spores which cause black spot being splashed back onto the rose with the spring rains.
It’s important to note that some fungicides can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects, so it’s important to use them only when necessary, and to follow all safety precautions on the label.