QuestionI live in Tampa, Fl and purchased some knock out roses from a nursery 2 weeks ago. They looked great. I've been preparing the bed. Yesterday I noticed some white rings (looks like dried water spots) on them. Is it possible they already have powdery mildew on them? Should I take them back and expect a refund or proceed to treat and hope for the best?
AnswerNurseries will give a refund or replace any rose that is dead. If the roses are growing well and they have what you describe as water spots on them, it should be very easy to get rid of the problem. 1 tablespoon of baking soda in a quart of water sprayed until the spots go works well . Or any rose fungicide will get rid of the problem. Knock Our roses are good roses and will do well for you so I wouldn't give up on them. They are tough enough that even mildew won't effect their growing well.
