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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

spraying with thiacloprid insecticide, but there's no guarantee that it'll reach the well-protected larvae tucked up inside the leaf tubes. rosesspring, summerCommon problems affecting rosesRose blackspotRose rustRose powdery mildew Rose bloom balling

mould may develop and cause the stems to die back. If this happens, prune back shoots to healthy growth.rosessummerMore common problems affecting rosesPreventing rose blackspotDealing with rose rustTreating rose powdery mildewRemoving rose leaf rolling

Pick off leaves infected by rose blackspot or rose rust, and dispose of them in your dustbin and not on the compost heapSet up an automatic watering system with a drip nozzle for potted plants if you're going on holidayTop up water levels in ponds

Plant gladioli in groups to depth of 10-15cm, planting onto gravel if you have heavy soilComplete outside sowings of hardy annual flowers Lightly clip box edging and topiary to neaten them upSpray new leaves on disease-prone roses with fungicide

affect other plantsspring, summerDealing with other problems affecting rosesPreventing rose bloom ballingDealing with rose rustTreating rose blackspotRemoving rose leaf rolling sawfly

Make last-minute pickings of fresh flowers for the houseSpread compost on to flower beds for worms to work in over winterCollect fallen leaves showing signs of blackspot from around rosesFork compost into borders, but take care not to spike emerging

on rose careDealing with rose blackspotTreating rose powdery mildewTaking rose cuttingsPruning a rose bush

to secure them.Provide supportChoose disease-resistant varieties to avoid blackspot, mildew and rust, though in warm and humid summers, even disease-resistant varieties can be affected. Rake up and remove fallen rose leaves to reduce the risk of reinfection

Gradually lower the cutting height of your mower as grass growth increasesSpray roses showing signs of diseases such as blackspot, rust or powdery mildewApply a combined weed, feed and moss killer to your lawn if you think it needs itTop up water