Roses::Care Of Roses 

Care Of Roses

Care of roses will require you to understand rose diseases. Black spot, ash leaf rust and powdery mildew are some of the rose diseases to be aware of when you have roses in your garden.

Roses are subject to several diseases such as black spot, ash leaf rust and powdery mildew. The most serious is rose rust, a species of rust fungus, which can defoliate the plant. More common, though less debilitating, are the rose black spot caused by the fungus Diplococarpon rosae, which makes black spots on the leaves in summer, and powdery mildew. Fungal diseases are best solved by a preventative fungicidal spray program rather than by trying to cure an infection after it is visible. After the disease is visible, its spread can be minimized through pruning and use of fungicides although actual infection cannot be reversed. Some rose varieties are considerably less susceptible than others to fungal disease.

To make sure that your prized roses remain in the best of health, simply follow these tips for care of roses.

1. Black Spots on Leaves

This disease is commonly known as black spot. Black spots appear as circular with fringed edges on leaves. They cause the leaves to yellow. Remove the infected foliage and pick up any fallen leaves around the rose. Artificial sprays may be used to prevent or treat this kind of rose disease.

2. Stunted or malformed young canes

Known as powdery mildew, this is a fungal disease that covers leaves, stems and buds with wind spread white powder. It makes the leaves curl and turn purple. Spray with Funginex or Benomyl to treat this fungal disease.

3. Blistered underside of leaves

Known as rust, this disease is characterized by orange-red blisters that turn black in fall. It can survive the winter and will then attack new sprouts in the spring. Collect and discard leaves that are infected in fall. a Benomyl or Funginex spray every 7-10 days may help.

4. Malformed or stunted leaves and flowers

This is caused by spider mites. They are tiny yellow, red or green spiders found on the underside of leaves where they suck juices. The application of Orthene or Isotox may help in treating this infestation.

5. Weak and mottled leaves with tiny white webs under them

This is caused by aphids. They are small soft-bodied insects that usually brown, green or red. Often clustered under leaves and flower buds, they suck plant juices from tender buds. Malathion or diazinon spray may help roses to survive these bugs.

6. Flowers that don't open or are deformed when they open.

Thrips could be the reason behind this problem. They are slender, brown-yellow bugs with fringed wings that also suck juices from flower buds. Cut and discard the infested flowers. Orthene and Malathion may also treat this problem.

Care of roses is to remember roses are hungry feeders that require much fertilizer to become healthy bushes.

The main insect pest affecting roses is the aphid (greenfly), which sucks the sap and weakens the plant. LadyBugs are a predator of aphids and should be encouraged in the rose garden. Spraying with insecticide is often recommended but should be done with care to minimize loss of beneficial insects. Roses are also used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidopters species.

A totally safe and natural product can be used to solve insect problems. This will control a variety of insects including aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, soft brown scale, psyllids, rore slugs and earwigs. One type is Safer’s Insecticidal Soap Spray. This product can be used on roses, flowers, vegtables, fruits, shrubs, trees, houseplants and greenhouse plantings. When sprayed on insects, the insecticidal soap breaks down the insect’s protective coating and causes it to dehydrate and die. Spray the soap directly on the insects when they are first sighted. Apply weekly for 2 to 3 weeks.

Care of roses is best looked after before diseases start rather than after.

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