Rose blackspot

in : Problems: Roses

Symptoms

Leaves are disfigured by poorly defined purple-brownish-black blotches. The leaves then turn yellow and fall. Stems might also be affected.
Find it on roses
Time to act all year round

Problem categories

Overview

Aptly named blackspot is a fungus that causes dark spotting on rose leaves and stems. Eventually, leaves turn yellow and drop off before autumn. Spores overwinter on the fallen leaves and re-infect the plant in spring when new foliage appears. Plants can be weakened by recurrent attacks, especially if they occur early in the season.
Solution
Leaves are disfigured by poorly defined purple-brownish-black blotches. The leaves then turn yellow and fall. Stems might also be affected.
Organic
Pick up and destroy fallen leaves. When pruning, cut out any stems with blackspot on. In late-winter, spread a thick layer of mulch around the base of the affected plant to prevent rain splashing soil-borne spores on to new spring growth. Grow rose varieties that are resistant to blackspot - these are suggested in the catalogues of specialist rose growers.
Chemical
Spray against blackspot with a fungicide. Follow the instructions, treating the new foliage in early spring, with further sprayings at regular intervals through the season.

Discuss this problem

Talkback: Rose blackspot
Your comment will appear after a quick registration step

ladyroseella 24/11/2011 at 15:27

i have a plant i dont realy now wat to do with i just keepcutting it down a few inches it a plant that as lovely pink leave at the top but graduly work its way of to green again it does look nice wen its pink i dont no wat its called or eny thing could u give me some tips thank u

gardenglory 24/11/2011 at 15:28

Having now found the time to spend more time in the garden
I find this site a great help to me.

The scrap book is a wonderful garden tool on it's own.

Joe. Warks. UK.

carolemorris 24/11/2011 at 15:28

I have found that roses planted in tubs containers etc,benefit from having pebbles,stones placed on top of the soil to help prevent blackspot and rust does work exceedingly well against these deseases,any falling infected leaves cannot reach the soil top then,try it!

nikkiscott74 24/11/2011 at 15:29

I found this article very interesting as I,m new to gardening and especially as i have a great fondness for roses. I,m planning on turning my small front garden into a rose garden, and need suggestions on plants that would make great companions for planting beside my roses as i,m not keen on seeing bare soil and want to add some deph and colour to my garden. Any suggestions?

Julie17 24/11/2011 at 15:29

I'm new to gardending so thank you for this tip.

See more comments...