Roses are generally very easy to grow in the UK, and that is why they would make ideal gifts.
They need regular water and food throughout the growing season (March – August) and watering throughout the winter months if containerised. Whilst there are a few common rose problems that will affect roses, none are too serious, and with some basic treatment your roses will be back to their best in no time.
Below is some information on the most common problems and a little guidance on treatment.
Rose Black Spot
What is it? Rose black spot is a common rose problem and is a fungal disease affecting the foliage. Dark purple-black spots appear on the leaves and stems. The spores lay dormant over winter to reinfect the leaves the following year.
How to treat it: Destroy fallen leaves, and mulch in late winter. You can also grow disease-resistant varieties.
Mildew
What is it? Rose powdery mildew is a fungal disease, with the leaves and buds covered in a white powder, often disfiguring the leaves.
How to treat it: Prune out and bin infected leaves, and keep the soil around the roots moist at all times. You can also by grow mildew-resistant varieties.
Rust
What is it? Rose rust leads to a distinctive mottling of the leaves on the upper surface of the leaves, with orange coloured spots that turn black as they mature, on the undersides.
How to treat it: Prune out infected stems and destroy them, along with any infected leaves. Grow roses with lots of room around them so the air can circulate, and prune out any congested growth.
Nutrient Deficiency
What is it? Nutrient deficiencies can present a number of symptoms, including chlorosis and yellow, brown or purple discolouring of the leaves.
How to treat it: Avoid this in the long-term by mulching each year with good quality compost. In the short-term, make sure they have plenty of the right feed.
Aphids
What are they? Aphids are insects that love roses, in particular the younger, softer growth of new leaves and flower buds. The sticky honeydew they excrete can also attract ants and lead to sooty mould.
How to treat it: Blast them off with a hose, or squash them as you see them. You can also buy and release ladybirds onto infested roses to eat the aphids. Grow plants for natural aphid enemies like hoverflies – they’re particularly fond of umbellifers like fennel, cow parsley and sweet alyssum.
If you need any more help with your roses, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Our friendly team are knowledgeable, and if there’s a question we can’t answer then we can point you to the best place that might!
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