Black spots on roses

Dear Gavin

I have gradually been acquiring some beautiful scented roses but each year they produce black spots on their leaves with eventual die back.  Generally I try to keep to organic gardening, however even using pesticides I do not seem to be able to eradicate this problem. 

I would be really grateful for any long term method I could use to make these delightful plants healthy.

With many thanks.

Heather Sloan

 

Dear Heather

I have no doubt your plants are suffering from Rose Black Spot (Diplocarpon rosae), a fungal disease prone to rose bushes.


Good care and maintenance of your rose bushes will help, removing the worst affected areas early in the season which also opens up the bush and allows better air flow between the stems and leaves which helps. Clear away the dead leaf litter from around the bases regularly, as old fallen leaves will be harbouring the disease.


Apply a fungicidal spray, to the remaining leaves. If you do prefer to keep things organic then I would recommend this spray ( follow this link  https://www.harrodhorticultural.com/organic-2-in-1-rtu-750ml-pid8561.html#product-tabs ) . It will also tackle the main insect pests on your roses too, such as aphids and mites.
 
I hope this helps, and many thanks for your query.
 
Regards,
Gavin Hatt


Pest Control Expert
Harrod Horticultural