Solving Common Rose Problems

Many rose problems occur because of poor environmental conditions or inadequate care. Roses need full sun, 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. They require good air circulation, avoid planting near other plants. Water the soil around the plant, not the foliage. If you water, water in the mornings so the foliage can dry out before evening . They are heavy feeders and require several micro-nutrients. Use a fertilizer specifically formulated for Roses. Prune roses when they are still dormant in late winter or early spring. Remove any debris, fallen leaves or other materials from around the plant

Leaves with Black Circular Spots

Called Blackspot. Leaves have numerous circular black spots. A common fungal problem caused by the presence of warmth, moisture and inadequate air circulation. Practice good hygiene by cleaning up dead leaves and fallen debris. Remove affected leaves. Treat with a Garden Fungicide. Improve airflow and avoid getting the leaves wet

Small Soft Bodied Insects Under Leaves And On Stems

Aphids. These soft bodied insects suck moisture and nutrients from the plant and produce sticky honeydew. They weaken the plant and invite other pests and disease to the plant. Spray with a sharp jet of water to remove from plant. This will control the population to some extent as they don’t climb well. The second plan of attack is Horticultural Soap and Water. Spray on the undersides of leaves and stems to suffocate the Aphids. Finally, chemical treatments may be available in your area

White Powdery Substance On Leaves

Could be powdery mildew. A fungus that feeds on roses and weakens the plant. Also common in areas with warm temperatures and lots of moisture. Avoid getting the leaves wet. Remove affected foliage or treat with fungicide. Can be difficult to remove

Leaves Being Eaten

Several bugs can cause this symptom. The most common are slugs and snails. Others include Japanese Beetles or Leaf Cutter Bees

Leaves Look Salt and Peppered

Warm dry locations, like the undersides of leaves can become the home of large quantities of Spider Mites. These pests can be controlled with chemical sprays, but the first line of attack is to increase humidity and moisture on the underside of leaves. Mist and spray the area to wash many of these tiny bugs to the ground

Light Green To Yellowing Leaves

Typically a symptom of over-watering, poor drainage or a nitrogen deficiency. Check your soil moisture by observation, touch or with a moisture meter. If moisture level is ok, feed with a higher nitrogen fertilizer (first number)

Dark Green Leaves With Dark Red or Purple Colouring

Roses absorb Phosphorous only when the pH is within acceptable range. If the soil is too Acidic, apply lime around your rose. If the pH is OK, apply a higher Phosphorus fertilizer (middle number)

Edges of Leaves In Specific Areas Are Dead

Could be a symptom of over fertilizing, sun scorch or a Potassium deficiency. If soil is too acidic, Apply Lime. If pH is OK, apply a fertilizer with higher potassium (last number)

Yellowing Leaves Starting From Centre of Leaf

Could be a magnesium deficiency. Apply Magnesium either through a high quality Rose fertilizer or micro-nutrient fertilizer. Epsom salts can also be used sparingly

Terminal Bud Dead + Leaves are Hooked

Could be a calcium deficiency

Terminal Bud Dead + Young Leaves are Light Green and Twisted

Could be a Boron deficiency

Terminal Bud Dead + Young Leaves Wilted With No Yellowing

Could be a copper deficiency

Terminal Bud Alive + Light Green Leaves with Lighter Green Veins

Could be a sulfur deficiency

Terminal Bud Alive + Yellowing Leaves with Light Green Veins

Either soil is too Alkaline or an Iron deficiency may be present