Climbing Rose Fertilizer and Disease Resistance in Boston

Old climbing roses need complete nutrition and disease management rotation.

Fertilizer

• Miracle-Gro 15-30-15 or Peters 20-20-20 (complete with micros).
• High middle number (P) for blooms.
• Start after leaf-out, stop by Aug 1.

Disease Strategy

• Full sun, good air flow, mulch, consistent moisture.
• Rotate fungicides (e.g., Banner Maxx) — resistance builds to single products.
• Malathion/Funginex alone lose effectiveness over years.

Organic Boost

Topdress with compost annually. Reduces stress, improves soil biology.