Common enemies of the rosebush and how to combat them

Growing rose bushes and other colorful flora can be one of the most rewarding parts of gardening for pleasure. Roses in particular are among the most popular flower species among recreational gardeners. Unfortunately, humans aren’t their only admirers: roses face a plethora of pests and diseases that hamper their goal of healthily sprouting and spreading the beauty and fragrance of their lovely blooms.

This has given them a reputation for being notoriously difficult to care for and grow, but for the most part this is untrue. Actually, roses fall somewhere in the middle when it comes to care. While they can have a host of potential enemies, they don’t all occur at once and there are specific treatment regiments designed for each one. Here I describe some of the most common threats and how to defend against them.

insects

• Thrips: Light colored roses are particularly vulnerable to thrips, especially in early summer. They are small brown or yellow insects that cause irregular leaves, misshapen buds and unsightly blooms (spotted brown). Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
• aphids: Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped, and love to attack young rose growth. Dislodge them with a strong spray from a hose or treat with insecticidal soap, though never in 80-degree temperatures.
• Japanese beetles: Metallic green and copper bugs, usually occur in numbers small enough to be picked up individually and drowned or placed in baggies (avoid crushing, which releases attractant pheromones). exactly.

mushrooms

• powdery mildew: Occurring only in dry weather, this mold creates a white, powdery residue that tends to collect on leaves in particular. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments, including spraying with a baking soda solution, summer oil, a sulfur-based fungicide, or an antidesiccant (which keeps the plant hydrated).
• Oxide: Another disease that prevails during the drier months. With rust, it is important to remove the affected leaves and be careful with watering, doing it only at ground level. Treatment options include lime and sulfur fungicide, dormant oil, or rusticide; the latter option can again be purchased at a local garden center (be sure to read and follow label directions precisely).
• black dot: This fungus is most common and damaging during hot, humid weather, causing small black spots and fringed edges on leaves. Affected leaves should be removed and destroyed (do not use for mulch or compost) and the plant pruned to improve air circulation. Water only in the mornings and spray with neem oil, summer oil, sulfur-based spray, baking soda solution, and certain strong commercially available chemicals.

As a side note, it’s important to know that just like a healthy human, a healthy rose bush is much better equipped to naturally fight parasites and disease, so be sure to read up on proper rose care practices to keep your roses healthy. plants strong and driving. Additionally, the roses are specifically bred to resist many of their typical best, and many improvements are made each year. It is definitely good practice to introduce new breeds into your gene pool at regular intervals.

Following these guidelines to keep your roses disease-free, in addition to regular gardening habits, will definitely ensure that your flower garden has the most beautiful and fragrant blooms yet!