What is wrong with my roses?

A question I often get from people who cannot identify an illness on their roses.


There is basically two kinds of pests that can put your roses out of production for at least four of more weeks.


Number ONE - Blackspot.  You can see the leaves getting black and gradually spreading to the rest of the bush as time passes.  Blackspot cannot be cured on the leaves that have them already.  But it can be stopped on the leaves that haven't got it yet.  (That is the reason why prevention is better than cure)  But if you  "spot" this disease on your roses, it is time to get out your pesticide and start spraying.
The cure for black spot is a product called Chronos 450 SC.  It works like a charm. ( 11 ml on 10 liters of water)
The beauty of this product is that it doesn't wash off in the rain.  Spray every second week


Number TWO - Red spider mite.  These little devils can reproduce in a record time.  If you turn the leave you will be able to see their activity.  They can destroy a rose bush in a very short period of time.  The best way to get rid of them is with a pesticide called  Redspidercide (20 ml on 10 liters of water) Don't mix it with other pesticides.  Mix it with a teaspoon of dish washing liquid (to make it stick to the leaves).