Last Updated: July 14, 2022
What are some problems that arise in Landscape Roses and what can you do about them? Here are some tips
and suggestions for solving common Rose problems.
- Roses need at least 5-6 hours of sun daily to flourish. They will tolerate less sun and be somewhat less
productive. - Best to have some morning sun to dry off foliage. This prevents disease.
- Reduce stress : plant away from roots of trees and large shrubs.
- Avoid wetting the foliage especially in late evening. This prevents disease.
- Roses need at least 2″ of water per week when in correct soil; more is needed in sandy soil and hot
weather(above 75 degrees F.). - Best soil mix contains some clay, organics, bone meal and rose fertilizer.
- Spray or dust regularly to prevent insect/disease damage.
- Fertilize roses every 6 weeks for continuous blooming.
Insects
APHIDS: Green/tan aphids are found on new growth, sucking out plant sap. Hose off with water and use a systematic spray/granule.
Product: BioAdvanced or Bonide Rose Drench
Organic product: Espoma Insect Soap
SPIDER MITES: Very tiny insects that live among webbings on undersides of leaves. Found often after several weeks of hot, dry weather. Turns foliage sickly grayish-green. Hose off and use a spray or dust.
Product: BioAdvanced 3-in-1 Insect Disease and Mite
ROSE SLUGS: The sawfly larva scrapes off surface of leaf; leaf browns. Act quickly with a rose spray or dust.
LEAF CUTTER BEES: They cut circular holes in foliage for nest building. No known cure.
ROSE MIDGE: Yellowish fly that lays eggs on flower stems. Larvae kill bud tips, which wilt over. Spray/dust regularly.
CANE BORERS: Larvae tunnel down stems. Shrub dies. Place on end of cane and spray/dust with rose insecticide.
Diseases
POWDERY MILDEW: Whitish on new stems and foliage. Leaves curl, distorted. Poor air circulation. Spray with a fungicide.
Product:
- Bonide Rose Drench
- BioAdvanced Rose Drench
- BioAdvanced Disease Control
- Organic: Espoma Disease Control
BLACK SPOT: Blackish spots appear on foliage with leaves yellowing and dying. Weakens rose and less winter stamina. Avoid wet foliage. Need morning sun. Spray/dust with fungicide and pick off and destroy infected leaves.
Product:
- Bonide Rose Drench
BioAdvanced Rose Drench - BioAdvanced Disease Control
- Organic: Espoma Disease Control
VIRUS: Foliage with yellow patches. Blotchy. No control. Prune or dig out before infestation moves to other plants.
GALLS: Large growths on plants caused by bacteria, etc. Prune off if possible and burn. Usually not harmful.
