Black Spots in Rose
Roses are the quintessential garden flower, beloved for their beauty, fragrance, and variety
Rose care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to black spots in Rose. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Rose
Circular black spots with fringed, irregular edges appear on leaves, often surrounded by a yellow halo, typically starting on lower leaves and spreading upward.
Common causes in Rose
Black spot fungus thrives on wet foliage, and roses watered overhead or planted with poor air circulation are especially prone since the fungus needs prolonged leaf wetness to infect.
How to diagnose black spots in Rose
Fungal spots: often circular with yellow margins. Sunburn: irregular bleached patches turning black.
How to treat black spots in Rose
Remove and destroy affected leaves (don't compost them), and apply a fungicide labelled for black spot if the infection is spreading. Improve airflow by pruning out crowded growth.
Preventing black spots in Rose
Water at the base rather than overhead, space roses for good airflow, and clean up fallen leaves each autumn since the fungus overwinters in leaf litter.