There are three common ailments that roses are susceptible to, Rose rust, Powdery or Downey Mildew and Black Spot all of which are known as fungal infections. They are easily treated with fungicides when they are applied at the first signs of the disease or before the onset of hot, humid weather is evident.
Prevention is one of the most important parts of growing and caring of roses, although prevention is not always possible. There are however a few easy precautionary tips for preventing roses diseases.
First begin by promoting strong healthy plants by providing plenty of water and fertilizers, along with good air circulation, then keeping them pruned, water at the roots whenever possible trying not to get the leaves wet ( this sometimes promotes diseases ) then cut or pick off old weak leaves and stems.
Most of all watch for signs of insects or diseases on your other garden plants, they are often times the breeding ground for insects and diseases and insects are the carriers of many diseases. Once they are spotted in your garden start treatment right away.
A good fungicide is usually an effective treatment for a rose fungus when it is caught early, otherwise a fungus can be hard to control and even harder to eliminate altogether. A fungus like any other disease tends to weaken your plants as they are fighting the disease and trying to survive at the same time making it harder to rebuild their leaves and stems and making new flowers is even harder.
If your plant is infected, remove any and all affected dead leaves and stems, this way the plant has a smaller area to fight the disease and can rebuild new growth quicker. Always try and plant roses in a sunny area whenever possible, you see they love plenty of sunshine and water.
Recommended fungicides will have sulfur to control the fungus and natural pyre thins for mites and it is absorbed through the plants tissues. There are many hybrid roses available on the market with a good resistance to Black Spot and Powdery Mildew, check with your local garden centers or nurseries.
For more information and product listings on fungicides visit:
Yardiac.com or Gardeners Supply.com
