I’m an amateur rose grower. I’ve been dabbling with them in my garden for years, and every year I swear (sometimes at them) that it will be my last for growing roses. One thing’s for certain: When the weather’s not in your favor, it can be tough growing these beautiful plants. For me, the challenge is all about facing the notorious leaf disease called black spot.
Ideal conditions for black spot include periods of high humidity, prolonged wet foliage and air temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees F.
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
Protect your roses from the evil ways of black spot.
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
This Panda Meidiland® rose is known to be highly resistant to black spot. It's great for borders and can be mixed in with other shrub/groundcover-type roses.
Photo Credit: Donna W. Moramarco
It sounds as menacing as it is: Black spot is an ugly fungus that attacks a wide range of roses. Ideal conditions for this garden troublemaker include periods of high humidity, prolonged wet foliage and air temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees F. (Sounds like your typical summer to me!)
How can you be prepared for battle against this rose enemy? An integrated approach is your best defense.
First and foremost, think about how you water: Do you use an overhead sprinkler that wets the leaves? If your answer is “yes,” and black spot has been a problem in your garden, you’re setting yourself up for continual disaster. Splashing water spreads the spores of the fungus. It’s best to water the soil, not the foliage. Invest in (and use) a soaker hose to keep those leaves dry.
Good air circulation in the garden is also a must; make sure plants are properly spaced and not squeezed into small areas. And what’s that old saying about cleanliness? Rake up and dispose of fallen leaves − especially in late fall as you’re preparing the garden for winter, because black spot can overwinter in leaf litter.
There are so many amazing roses available today; look for those that are touted to be resistant to black spot. Some include the incredible Knock Out™ Series introduced several years ago. If you’re a big fan of pink or red shrub roses, there’s a Knock Out™ variety for you. Be on the lookout for Knock Out Pink™ (bright pink), Rainbow Knock Out™ (pink with a yellow center), Blushing Knock Out™ (pale pink) and Double Knock Out™ (bright pink).
Another series of black spot-resistant roses to look for are the Meidilands®. A few worth seeking: Cherry Meillandecor™ (upright, bushy growth habit), Coral Meidiland® (upright, bushy growth habit), Fire Meidiland® (low-spreading growth habit), Panda Meidiland® (white; bushy, compact growth habit) and Scarlet Meidiland® (scarlet, mounding groundcover growth habit).
Just remember: Resistance does not mean immunity!
