Gardeners urged to look for three concerning signs roses are dying in March
Roses make a beautiful addition to any garden, with their range of colours and strong fragrance. However, gardeners have been warned to look out for signs they may be dying as we come into spring.
Given their versatility, roses are well-adapted to growing in the cool, damp UK climate. They can also last years if taken care of properly, making them a real investment in your home. However, garden-owners should be warned that they are prone to certain diseases. One of the most common afflictions is known as the black spot. The black spot is a fungal disease, which causes unsightly black spots on the leaves. This eventually causes them to turn yellow and to drop off.
Left untreated, it can cause serious structural damage to your rose plant. This is especially true if it comes back year after year. This is because the loss of leaves reduces the plant’s ability to photosynthesize food. As a result, the bush will weaken and rose production will decline. The fungus can also infect young canes, resulting in fewer flower buds. When they fail to grow leaves, these plants become stressed and susceptible to other serious issues.
Unfortunately, the fungus thrives in cool, damp environments and is most likely to effect plants during their early growing season. This means that the UK winter is a prime time for it to develop on your precious flowers. Of course, it’s best to nip the disease in the bud before it turns into a full-blown problem. So, what are the early signs of a black spot infection? According to the experts at thespruce.com , there are three major signs your rose is infected. These include rounded black spots, which typically appear on the upper sides of leaves. However, these can also develop on the undersides. The spots will enlarge over time and move from the lower leaves upward.
Of equal concern are spots with ragged or feathery outer margins, which are usually surrounded by a ring of yellow. On younger canes, the spots may appear as purple rather than black.
In order to prevent this disease from taking hold, thespruce.com recommends planting your roses in an optimal position. They write: “Roses prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil and regular, weekly watering. Plant roses where they receive morning sun, which helps dry moisture from the leaves. Full, all-day sun is best.” They also suggest making sure there is enough air flow between your rose plants. This means planting them sufficiently far apart. They write: “By providing good air circulation and ensuring canes don’t cross, black spots will have a harder time spreading.” You should also avoid getting the leaves wet as much as possible.
However, the most important step is to prune any infected leaves. The spores spread through water and will begin infecting surrounding leaves within 10 days of symptoms first appearing. Once you cut them away, dispose of the leaves properly. You should also disinfect your shears between cuts in a 10% bleach or alcohol solution.
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