The rose is the queen of flowers. It is a popular flower that comes in more than 100 different species. Unfortunately, diseases and pests do not escape the rose either. Fungal diseases are the most common and insect pests are not far behind.
Fungal diseases
The most common disease in roses is black leaf spot. This disease occurs mainly with increased humidity in cooler years. Leaves are initially dotted with dark brown to black spots that merge into larger areas over time. A plant affected by the fungal disease is weak and loses most of its leaves.
Roses are also attacked by other fungal diseases such as rust, where rusty raised spots appear on the underside of the leaves. This disease affects only some rose species.
But even in good, dry weather, plants can suffer from fungi. In this case, it is a powdery mildew that leaves a white powdery coating in some places.
Rose pests
Annoying pests that gardeners don’t like are aphids. Their invasion can very easily destroy young and succulent shoots. There are chemical remedies, but try to fight aphids in a natural way. The sunflower, or ladybird, can destroy up to a thousand green invaders in a month. You can also try a tobacco leaf or tomato leach.
Deformation of flowers and buds is caused by various species of three-winged insects that burrow into the buds and gradually suck them out.
Prevention is key
Preventive measures are always better. In the case of roses, this is also true. Fresh air flow and regular pruning are important. Both contribute to a good microclimate around roses and keep them dry.
Further reading:
- ensure plenty of space and sun;
- Regularly remove dry, dead and diseased parts of the plant;
- do not overwater the plant and fertilize it regularly.
Roses do not like heavy, impermeable soil. If you must use chemicals, follow the directions for use and storage. But if at all possible, try to avoid them.