Gardening Blog

Rose disease is much more unlikely when the rose plant is healthy and if it is recognized early on. It can first be credited to insect infestation.

Aphids are an example of one insect responsible for rose disease. These insects are tiny and pear shaped. They are especially attached to fresh portions of the plant. These instigators secrete material that is tacky and sweet; it turns black as mold propagates. Ants will be attracted to this, but they do not cause the actual disease. Treatment is a stream of hose water, with a high-pressure setting or application of insecticide soap. Don’t spray when temperature is high.

Japanese beetles are another problematic insect. They are distasteful, great in number, and copper green in color. In small numbers they should be cleaned off with soapy water. Don’t squeeze them, as that will encourage others to attack your plants. Treat this problem early in the morning when the insects are sleeping, then shake them into a plastic baggie…

If this method is not a complete success, treat this disease with Sevin spray.

Thrips are tiny yellow and brown disease-causing insects. They cause leaf damage; buds and flower are affected with dark stains. This disease is attracted to fairer colored plants in the start of the warmer season. Sprinkle them with pesticide soap or neem oil.

Rose disease can be disparaging; but when treated properly it should be just a slight obstacle.