Some of the Most Common Rose Problems and How to Fix Them

By B. E. Conrad

When it comes to gardening, there is little doubt that the rose is the king of the garden. For centuries, roses have been beloved for their beauty, and they have long been a symbol of love, fidelity and commitment. Roses are among the most popular of all plants for the home garden, and they are grown by amateur gardeners and professional growers alike.

Unfortunately, however, roses are also prone to a number of problems, including some not encountered by other types of flowers and plants. It is important for any gardener who is considering adding roses to his or her garden to take the time to learn about the special needs of these most majestic of plants. The rest of this article focuses on some of the most common problems encountered by rose gardeners, and some tips for how to combat and overcome each problem.

Rose Problem #1 - Black Spots on the Foliage
This is perhaps the most common of all rose problems, and in fact the disease in question is known as "black spot." These black spots generally appear as a circular shape with fringed edges on the foliage, and the disease may cause the leaves to appear yellow as well.

The key to combating this disease is to remove the infected foliage as quickly as possible, including removing any leaves which may have fallen around the rose. In addition, there are a number of commercial preparations designed to fight the disease that causes black spot. Since this problem is so common, it is a good idea for rose gardeners to have a supply of these preparations on hand. This will allow the problem to be addressed quickly, mitigating the damage to the plants.

Rose Problem #2 - Distorted and Stunted Plants
This is another common rose disease, this one known as powdery mildew. This is a fungal disease, and it will coat the stems, foliage and buds with what appears to be a white powder. This coverage will in turn cause the leaves to turn purple and appear unsightly.

In order to combat the problem of powdery mildew, spray the affected areas with an antifungal spray. As with black spot treatment, it is a good idea for the rose gardener to keep a bottle or two of this antifungal spray on hand in your garden shed. As with all rose diseases, early treatment is the key to success.

Rose Problem #3 - Damaged Leaves
The leaves of roses can be especially susceptible to damage, with the undersides of leaves often being the first to show such damage. One of the most common leaf conditions is a disease known as rust, named for the reddish orange blisters that appear. These reddish orange discolorations will turn black in the fall and sprout anew in the spring if not completely obliterated.

If your roses are troubled by rust, be sure to remove all affected leaves in the fall. In addition, spraying the remaining foliage with an organic anti-fungal spray once a week can be a big help.

Rose Problem #4 - Stunted and Malformed Flowers and Foliage
Many rose gardeners complain that their roses suffer from stunted and malformed flowers and foliage. While there are many conditions that can cause this problem, one of the most common causes is spider mites. These spider mites may be either yellow, red or green, and they cling to the underside of the leaves, where they suck the juices and nutrients from the plant.

While spider mites are certainly a troublesome problem, in many cases the problem can be cured simply by applying a strong stream of water to the foliage to dislodge the mites. If this doesn't work, there are commercial preparations designed to fight such infestations, as well as a number of beneficial insects that can be used as natural predators for these unwanted garden visitors.

Rose Problem #5 - White Webbing on the Leaves
If you notice weak foliage, leaves that appear to be blotched, or leaves that have white webbing on them, you could have an aphid problem. Aphids are common visitors to the rose garden, and like spider mites they damage the plants by sucking their natural juices out through the leaves. Aphids may be brown, greed or red, and they can sometimes be seen clumped together in groups under the flowers and leaves.

As with spider mites, aphids can often be controlled with a strong stream of water, or through the introduction of beneficial insects that naturally feast on aphids.

Rose Problem #6 - Unopened or Distorted Blooms
There are a number conditions that can cause blooms to not open completely, or to appear distorted, but one of the most common is known as thrips. These thrips often appear as slender brownish or yellowish winged insects, and they often live near flower buds. These insects also suck the vital juices from the flowers, resulting in distorted or poorly formed blooms.

If thrips are suspected, remove any flowers that show signs of infestation. In addition there are a number of commercial preparations that can help gardeners deal with this common problem.

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