Roses have undeservedly earned a reputation as being fragile garden beauties that take tons of time-consuming care, but the fact is they’re as durable and pest-resistant as most other woody landscape shrubs. And choosing varieties with strong disease resistance and pest tolerance – and giving them excellent care – is the ticket to a thriving garden.
Most rose diseases are caused by fungus. They can be prevented and treated, especially if caught early on before the disease progresses.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/Charles Slay
Some diseases, like mosaic virus, are viral – and incurable. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed as soon as infection is confirmed. (Never put infected plants in the compost pile!)
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
To keep your roses healthy, start by giving them regular, adequate waterings and fertilizing them properly – just as you would any other plant in your garden. After all, healthy plants are much more able to fight off soil- and wind-borne diseases, insect infestations and other problems.
Second, avoid indiscriminate chemical spraying and pesticide application. Natural predators exist in nearly every environment that help control insect pests naturally and compete with disease organisms. An organic, thriving garden is best able to ward off pest and disease problems than one treated with chemicals!
The USDA’s Agricultural Extension also recommends that gardeners practice Integrated Pest Management – IPM. Its basic tenets are to inspect garden plants often to detect pest and disease problems early, to promptly treat infestations and infections using hand-picking and spot applications with the least-toxic remedies, and then to use cures of increasing strength to obtain control while limiting damage to the rest of the landscape garden and environment.
The key word is “control.” It’s rarely possible to completely exterminate pests or eradicate disease, so your goal should be to control them. Start by looking closely at your plants every few days as you care for them – when weeding, watering, fertilizing and pruning – as well as when enjoying your garden.
Many rose diseases are caused by fungus, including the most prevalent conditions affecting roses: black spot, rust and powdery mildew. They’re difficult to cure once established, so scouting for them is always a good idea so you can nip the problem in the bud before it gets out of control.
For small infections, you can remove and discard infected leaves in the garbage (never in the compost pile), then spray the plant with a solution of 1 part household bleach mixed with 9 parts water, allowing it to dry before evening. Infections affecting larger areas should be treated with a garden fungicide that lists the specific disease and plant on its label. Always carefully read and completely follow all label instructions. Wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator when applying any garden chemicals, and follow the steps shown in the pictures and described in their captions.
With a good eye toward disease prevention and good, regular care, it’s easy to keep your roses in the pink – or red, peach and yellow…or whatever gorgeous color they happen to be.
Applying Rose Fungicide
Applying Rose Fungicide - Step 1
Carefully read and comply with all instructions and warnings on the fungicide label, and only apply control agents that specifically list your roses’ disease problem. Wear protective clothing, gloves and a respirator, and mix the solution in disposable container, according to label directions.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Rose Fungicide - Step 2
Water your roses thoroughly the day before application, taking care to avoid splashing the foliage. On a warm, wind-free day – while wearing your protective gear – apply the fungicide mix only to the affected area of the rose plant. Avoid treating broad areas, but be sure to treat all the affected foliage, including the undersides of the leaves and all around the stems and cane if necessary. Allow the plants to dry completely.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
Applying Rose Fungicide - Step 3
Thoroughly wash applicators, mixing equipment and empty bottles. Wrap disposables in newsprint and discard in your household garbage or as indicated on the product label. Thoroughly wash your hands and garments after applying garden fungicides, and reserve the clothing you’ve worn specifically for applying garden chemicals from now on.
Photo Credit: ©2001 Dolezal Publishing/John M. Rickard
