Cultivating roses is no different than cultivating any other plant in your garden. The only difference is the problems with roses that may encounter. There are some common problems with roses that gardener's face no matter where they live. Should this stop you from considering and planting a rose bush? With some basic information and guidance you can overcome the common problems with roses.

Typical Problems with Roses

The most common problems with roses are powdery mildew, rust spots on the leaves and black spot. A common but not frequently discussed problem is limb breakage. Rose branches are by their nature delicate and break easily.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew has a grayish white powdery mat color. When closely examined, the area will be filled with masses of spores ready to infect another location. The age of the foliage plays an interesting part in the infection rate. Mature foliage is not very susceptible to powdery mildew; however, new grow is very susceptible. New leaves, canes and unopened flower buds are the most vulnerable.

The most common solution is the application of a fungicide for roses. Pay close attention and follow the application and reapplication directions on the fungicide.

Black Spot

A common scourge of rose gardeners is black spot. It is a dangerous fungus that if left untreated will kill your rose bush.

It is easy to identify. On the top side of the leaf small circular dark brown to black spots will appear. The edge of the black spot will be irregular and have a feathery margin. The spots vary in size from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch in diameter. The leaf tissue around the black spot will yellow. The leaf will prematurely fall off of the bush.

The black spot fungus can also infect one year old canes. The cane will develop raised purple to red spot or blotches. These will eventually turn black and appear blistered. The infected canes are an important over wintering site for the fungus.

Prune any diseased canes. Collect all diseased leaves from the ground and burn them.

The fungus spores are blown by the wind and can be spread by water droplets.

Once you identify that you have black spot infection on your rose. Treat it with a anti black spot fungicide. Follow the manufacture's directions on application schedule.

Rusty Spots (Rose Rust)

The rose rust disease is caused by the Phragmidium species of fungi. Infected leaves will display orange colored spots. Rose rust will attack all parts of the rose bush except for the roots and petals. When the outbreak is severe the ground below the rose bush will be covered with an orange like dust.

Water the rose bush in the morning using a ground based watering system, such as drip irrigation system. Don't crowd the plants and plant them in a sunny location that will allow the leaves to dry off after a rain or irrigation.

At the first sign of infection, remove the diseased leaves and canes. Treat the rose bush with a fungicide that is designed to kill off the rose rust fungi.

Learning how to deal with rose cultivation problems takes some time and effort. However, doing so will pay off handsomely as your rose bush thrives and produces lovely roses for your enjoyment.