This article is long overdue. I should have gotten this out in April, but time got away from me. So now it is long past time to start talking about pest control, but here goes.

Protecting Roses from Disease

Let’s start with disease protection for roses. This is best done by carrying out a preventative spray program. This means starting by early May when the leaves first appear and spraying every 7-10 days (follow label directions) throughout the season.

There are two common diseases that affect roses: powdery mildew and blackspot. Their names are descriptive—the former is a white coating on the leaves and the latter is black spots that progress to yellow areas and the leaves drop off. The powdery mildew is unsightly, but not really harmful. The blackspot will weaken the plant and it could eventually succumb.

Four Steps for Avoiding Powdery Mildew and Blackspot on Roses

What to do? Here is a four step program.

1. When you find suspicious leaves, know what youre dealing with. Heres where your local rose society and a consulting rosarian comes in handy. Its no good to apply a treatment if youre not treating the right condition.

2. Educate yourself about the do’s and don’ts of spraying. Again contact a local consulting rosarian. There is nothing like first hand experience and instruction.

3. Buy the recommended chemical and follow the directions. More is not better.

4. If you have blackspot, pick off affected leaves, clean leaves and petals from the ground, then start your spray program.

Protecting Roses from Insects

Insects are another story. Generally, it is best to not spray until the insects or their damage is seen.

Two common insects are aphids and Japanese Beetles. Aphids can be dealt with by using a systemic insecticide (read the label). There are chemical means of dealing with Japanese Beetles, but if there is not a large infestation, hand picking them into a jar of water works very well.

Spraying Roses

Here are a few general rules for spraying roses.

– Protect yourself. This means long sleeves, long pants, rubber shoes, rubber gloves and a hat at the minimum. Goggles, a respirator and even Tyvek coveralls are also recommended.

– Spray when there is no wind and the temperature is below 80 degrees.

– Use a fine mist spray. A hand pump up sprayer is fine for up to 25 roses. If you have more roses or you get tired of pumping, there are battery operated sprayers available. It is always good to shower after spraying and have only one set of clothes as your spray outfit.

That is spraying in a nutshell. See a consulting rosarian to get first hand lessons so that you protect yourself, your roses, and the environment.