Rose Disease and Pest Identification and Treatment Guide

Common Rose Problems and Solutions

1. Black Spot: Circular black spots with fringed edges on leaves, causing yellowing. Remove infected foliage and fallen leaves. Use fungicidal sprays preventatively or curatively.
2. Powdery Mildew: White powder on leaves, stems, buds; leaves curl and turn purple. Treat with Funginex or Benomyl.
3. Rust: Orange-red blisters on leaf undersides, turning black in fall. Survives winter, attacks spring growth. Collect/destroy infected leaves in fall. Spray Benomyl or Funginex every 7–10 days.
4. Spider Mites: Tiny yellow/red/green spiders on leaf undersides sucking juices, causing malformed leaves/flowers. Apply Orthene or Isotox.
5. Aphids: Small soft-bodied insects (brown, green, red) clustered under leaves/buds, sucking juices. Spray Malathion or diazinon.
6. Thrips: Slender brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings on flower buds, causing deformed/unopened flowers. Remove infested flowers. Treat with Orthene or malathion.

Feeding Roses

Roses are heavy feeders—require ample fertilizer for healthy bushes.