Diseases and Pests
Roses can be affected by various different diseases and pests. Some common roses diseases include black spot, powdery mildew and rust. Some of the most common pests that affect roses include aphids, thrips (especially Chilli Thrip if you are in WA), spider mites, and caterpillars.
So what are these diseases and pests?
Pests:
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth and they cause the leaves to distort and stunt blooms.
Thrips such as Chilli Thrips are tiny long insects that feed on the roses leaves and buds and they may cause speckled or silvery damage. The best way to remove the thrips is to cut away the infected foliage, leaves, stems and flowers and care for them weekly during the warmer months. I use a special natural formular that I spray on the roses to help keep the Chilli Thrips away.
Unfortunately, while we have warmer weather, they will potentially come back and it’s then we need to keep on top of them. Also wetting the roses down during the warmer months will help.
Spider mites cause yellowing and leaf drop especially in hot dry conditions.
Caterpillars chew holes in leaves and flower buds.
Diseases:
Black spot – if you look at the leaves on your roses you will see black, circular spots and often those black spots will have yellow halos.
Powdery mildew – this is a fungal disease that appears as a white powder coating on the leaves, stems and buds on your roses. To treat your roses with powdery mildew, prune away leaves or stems that show signs of this disease and dispose of the infected green waste properly, do not put it into your compost; put it in a bag and put in your normal bin, not the green waste.
Rust can be recognised by the orange or reddish-brow pustules on the leaves and stems of your roses. The best way to get rid of ruse from your roses is to prune the infected stems and leaves and destroy them. If unsure what to do, please contact me for help with the treatment and caring for your roses.
To prevent rust on your roses you need to consider air circulation, pruning the right way, watering, hygiene, make sure your plants are healthy, and your garden is healthy with proper fertilisation, watering and light exposure. Ask me how to do this…
