Caring for Roses

Roses are one of the most popular garden plants in the world. In caring for roses, it’s important to understand the best conditions for growing them. A working knowledge of the pests and diseases that commonly impact these plants will also help in maintaining healthy, beautiful roses.

Growing Conditions

Roses grow best in full, all-day sun. You’ll need at least six hours of direct sunlight for them to flower well. However, during summer weather, partial afternoon shade will provide the flowers a respite from the heat and help them last longer. Well-drained soil is important for roses. It will help prevent cankers and root disease. Further, regular fertilization is another critical step in caring for roses. Finally, be sure to mulch around roses to maintain proper soil conditions.

Diseases of Roses

A lot of people consider roses to be high maintenance. Mainly, that is because of the many disease and insects that attack them. While healthy soil is a great start to rose care, keeping an eye out for early signs of disease is equally important. Some common issues are:

  • Black Spot Disease

    This fungal disease can cause complete defoliation of roses with infected leaves turning yellow and then falling.

  • Powdery Mildew

    A fungal disease that attacks buds, flowers and stems, powdery mildew is most severe in warm, humid weather. Whitish spots or discoloration are a sure sign.

  • Rose Rosette Disease

    Eriophyid mite vectors this disease. It first appears as distorted leaves with red coloring and witches’ brooms.

  • Other Diseases

    Rusts, cankers, blights and anthracnose attack most species of trees and shrubs. Roses are no exception.

Insect Pests of Roses

  • Japanese Beetle

    Common in the eastern half of North America, Adult Japanese beetles feed on the foliage, buds and flowers.

  • Spider Mites

    Several species of these tiny pests damage roses. With their small size, spider mites often go undetected with populations increasing unchecked.

  • Thrips

    Flower thrips damage rose petals, causing a brown streaking.

  • Other Pests

    Numerous insects can be problematic for roses, particularly if they are left untreated. Rose chafer, rose leaf beetle, leafhoppers, sawflies, aphids, scales and others are often unwanted garden visitors.

Maintaining and Caring for Roses

Ongoing monitoring is a good practice. This ensures insect and disease problems, deer browse, and rodent damage can be identified and addressed promptly. Once you know the underlying cause of the issue, treatments are available to tackle those concerns directly. Soil care and fertilization will establish healthy conditions for your roses to grow.

Latest News

Being a leader in the tree care industry means continually focusing on learning and innovation. Bartlett’s Tree Topics blog follows in that tradition by offering a place to receive advice on trees, tree pests, tree preservation, and more.

Make an appointment with your local Arborist Representative to discover why Bartlett is the leader in professional tree care.