Don Juan Rose Care: Deadheading and Black Spot Management

Deadheading Don Juan Roses

A gardener in Oklahoma forgot to deadhead their Don Juan roses—many shoots went to seed. They ask if they should prune back to five-leaflet sets.

Modern Deadheading Advice

The "prune to five leaflets" rule is a myth. Simply snap off spent blooms with fingers or cut to the next leaf set—both encourage new growth and flowers.

Follow-Up: Black Spot Outbreak

After returning from a trip, the gardener finds severe black spot—some branches brown and leafless. Concern about spread to nearby hydrangea.

Black Spot Action Plan

• Apply fungicide specifically for black spot (Ortho RosePride or similar)
• Prune out brown, leafless canes to stimulate healthy new growth
• Note: Black spot is rose-specific—hydrangea has a different fungal issue, but rose fungicide won't hurt it
• Summer pruning to remove diseased growth is beneficial