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| Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco |
| Protect your roses from the evil ways of black spot. |
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.
| Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Donna Moramarco | | Ideal conditions for black spot include periods of high humidity, prolonged wet foliage and air temperatures between 75 to 85 degrees F. |
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.
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