Cool, Wet Springs Cause Botrytis Blight on Hybrid Tea Rose Buds

Several hybrid teas (Peace, Double Delight, Tea Party) in western Kentucky produced buds with brown tips that opened poorly and faded fast. The spring was cool and wet. Tropicana had spotty orange blooms. All were mulched with wood chips.

Botrytis Blight

The brown, rotting buds are caused by Botrytis cinerea, a fungus that thrives in cool, damp conditions. It rots petals, causing brown edges and spots. Mulch is beneficial and not the cause—weather alone drives this disease.

Management

Remove and destroy all affected buds and flowers. Apply a fungicide labeled for black spot (which also controls Botrytis). As weather warms and dries, the disease will disappear naturally. The roses will return to normal flowering.