Rose bloom balling

in : Problems: Roses

Symptoms

Apparently healthy rose buds develop and fatten but fail to open. They eventually wither or drop off.
Find it on roses
Time to act summer

Problem categories

Overview

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.
Solution
Apparently healthy rose buds develop and fatten but fail to open. They eventually wither or drop off.
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.

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Talkback: Rose bloom balling
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cherrypip 24/11/2011 at 15:28

my light pink roses have developed darker pink splodgees and rings on them,dose anyone know what this is??

valatwell 24/11/2011 at 15:29

I'm looking for a pink rose bush, with good scent but not too thorny. Also with very good repeat flowering. Any suggestions