Managing Severe Black Spot Without Drastic Pruning

Julie had multiple roses with persistent black spot despite two years of commercial and homemade (baking soda) sprays. Her husband wanted to cut them down. Jay advised against heavy pruning:

Why Not Prune Hard

• Defoliated roses need every cane to rebuild leaf surface.
• Pruning removes stored energy, further weakening the plant.
• Black spot doesn't kill canes—it just drops leaves.

Effective Chemical Control

• Honor Guard (propiconazole) + Manzate (mancozeb) rotation.
• Source: Rosemania.com (specialty rose supplies).
• Rotate fungicide classes to prevent resistance.
• Start early (at bud break) and spray regularly per label.

Cultural Practices

1. Water at ground level, not overhead.
2. Morning sun to dry leaves quickly.
3. Remove fallen leaves (but not attached ones).
4. Consider replacing with disease-resistant varieties long-term.

Jay's mantra: "The plants need as much cane or branches to leaf back out on."