Black Spot
There are spots on my roses. How can I get rid of this problem?
Black spot is a fungal disease common to roses. One solution is to replace your roses with a variety that resists black spot. Check with your local rose society, botanical garden, nursery or Extension office for a list of disease-resistant roses that will work in your area. The Ohio State University publication Black Spot on Roses includes an extensive list. If you keep your roses you can minimize the problem with regular fungicide applications throughout the whole season. Start applying these as soon as the leaves emerge or prior to when the disease usually appears in your area. Consider one of the more eco-friendly products like Neem, copper or other natural products labeled for controlling black spot. In fall, rake and destroy the fallen leaves. Further reduce the source of the disease for next season by picking off infected leaves before applying winter protection.
