- Home
- How to
- Solve problems
- Rose bloom balling
Rose bloom balling
- BBC Gardeners' World Magazine
Published: Wednesday, 13 March 2019 at 3:00 pm
Maximise your rose display by taking care to prevent any loss of blooms to rose bloom balling.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTime To Actyesyesyes
Save
- Share on facebook
- Share on twitter
- Share on pinterest
- Share on whatsapp
- Share on blogger
- Email to a friend
Balling is triggered by cool, damp conditions, often in a partially shady site, where water-saturated outer petals fail to dry out before being scorched by the sun. The mushy plant tissue dries to form a stiff straightjacket around the petals, preventing the flower from opening. An invisible soft, slimy layer of mycelium then fuses the petals together. The problem is most acute on roses with a multitude of thin petals.
Ad
Symptoms
Apparently healthy rose buds develop and fatten but fail to open. They eventually wither or drop off.
Find it on
roses
Ad
Organic
The only option is to cut off the damaged buds and wait for new ones to develop. Be careful not to trigger the problem by splashing water onto the buds when watering your roses. If damaged buds aren't removed, there's a risk that grey mould may develop and cause the stems to die back. If this happens, prune back shoots to healthy growth.
Loading...
Ad
Ad
The perfect gift for gardeners
Gift 12 months of Gardeners’ World magazine, and Niwaki Sentei Secateurs, to a loved one. Enjoy year-round expert tips for a thriving garden.
Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox
Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.
Loading...
Ad
Loading...
Loading...