Roses - help with blackspot

YorkshireTraveller

We have had six different coloured miniature rose bushes in our garden for about 20 years.  For the past four or five years we have been plagued with blackspot.  We went on holiday for three weeks a couple of years ago and returned to twigs rather than bushes!  I have tried to do what I think is right by removing any infected leaves as soon as they are seen, clearing up any fallen leaves and debris from the surrounding area and spraying with Rose Clear. Sadly, yet again, the blackspot has returned with a vengeance!

Can the group suggest anything further that I can do?  Should I take extreme action and dig up the bushes (they are 20 years old) and replace them with a more blackspot-resistant variety?  If the latter, any recommendations for which miniature varieties are best?  Any help and advice gratefully received.

-taff

You coud try scraping the top layer of soil off and covering with a deep mulch to inhibit the fungus spores in the soil, but honestly, I don't think there is a cure all for it, because the spores come in from all angles...

sheramber

I used to spray  the ground around the roses as well as the rose itself.

Prune out any stems showing signs, back to an emerging bud, as well as clearing up all thefallen and infected leves still on the bush.

I found I needed to start as soon as the roses started into growth and repeat per the instructions. 

Spray the stems as well as the leaves

As the fungus is  wind blown you will never cure it , only control it.

[Deleted User]

I use Provado insecticide on the blackspot that appears on my roses and my Escallonia (i use it on other plants too that have caterpillar activity).

Vall1992

Blackspot is a common fungal disease that affects roses, and it can be challenging to control, especially if it has become persistent in your garden. Here are a few suggestions you can try to manage and prevent blackspot:

Prune and clean: In late winter or early spring, prune your rose bushes to remove any dead or infected wood. Make sure to clean your pruning tools with a disinfectant between cuts to prevent spreading the disease. Also, remove any fallen leaves and debris from the ground around the roses.

Proper spacing: Ensure that your rose bushes are adequately spaced apart to allow good air circulation. This can help reduce the chances of the disease spreading.

Watering: Avoid overhead watering, as wet foliage can promote the development of blackspot. Instead, water at the base of the plants. Water in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry during the day.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced rose fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Healthy plants are better equipped to resist diseases.

Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants to help maintain soil moisture and reduce splashing of spores onto the leaves.

Disease-resistant varieties: Consider replacing your rose bushes with more disease-resistant varieties. When choosing new miniature rose varieties, look for ones that are specifically labeled as being resistant to blackspot. Some popular disease-resistant miniature roses include 'Baby Boomer,' 'Candy Cane Cocktail,' and 'Irresistible.'

Fungicidal sprays: Continue using fungicidal sprays like Rose Clear as directed, following the recommended application intervals. Make sure to thoroughly cover all parts of the plant, including the undersides of leaves.

If you have tried these measures consistently without success, it might be worth considering replacing your rose bushes with more resistant varieties. Remember to choose varieties that are known for their resistance to blackspot and follow the recommended care practices to minimize the risk of future infections.

It's also a good idea to consult with local gardening experts or a professional rose grower for personalized advice based on your specific location and climate conditions. They may be able to provide additional insights and recommendations tailored to your situation.

ispookie666

Might be purely coincidental but I tried Liquid Copper fungicide by Southern Ag. It seems to have cleared up in a single spray