Black spot is an ugly and plant threatening, fungal disease causing problems with Roses. Due to ,my inattention my roses were ravaged this year!

Avoid Black Spot

• Keep the ground clear of any diseased leaves or plant matter.
• Burn affected leaves, do not compost as this just recycles the spores.
• Use clean tools or dip them in fungicide particularly those that contact the sap like secateurs or loppers.
• Buy disease resistant varieties of rose.
• Allow air to circulate. Black spot likes humid conditions so water carefully.
• Beware black spot can be transmitted from plant to plant. Good hygiene is vital.

Treating Black Spot

• Remove and destroy infected material.
• Spray with a systemic fungicide on both sides of the leaves and the stems of affected plants.

• Sulphur treatments may be effective and are acceptable organic alternatives to chemicals.
• Keep plants stress free by watering then giving a good mulch.
• Water the roots not the whole plant.

Infected leaves turn yellow and die.
Stems and branches that are infected no longer bear leaves or blossom.