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Black Spot in Rose

How to identify and treat black spot in Rose.

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Rose care requirements

water
Deeply 1–2 times per week at the base. Never overhead.
soil
Rich, fertile, well-draining soil. pH 6.0–6.5.
light
Full sun — 6+ hours.
symptoms

Symptoms to look for in Rose

Circular black spots with irregular, feathered edges on leaves, often ringed with yellow, leading to leaf drop when infection is severe.

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Common causes in Rose

Caused by the fungus Diplocarpon rosae, which spreads via water splash from overhead watering or rain, and overwinters in fallen leaves and infected canes.

healing

How to treat black spot in Rose

Remove and destroy infected leaves promptly, prune out infected canes in late winter, and apply a fungicide labelled for black spot during the growing season if the disease is established.

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Preventing black spot in Rose

Water at the soil level rather than overhead, choose black-spot-resistant rose varieties where possible, and clear fallen leaves each autumn.