Question
In my Noe Valley garden roses with 6 hrs sun are already covered with holes and brown & rust. I dormant sprayed and cont. to spray with 'rose defense' every 2 weeks on both sides of leaves. I have seen little green worms. Might Volke oil spray help? I am going to be away for a few weeks what shall I do to try and avoid any more damage?
Heather
San Francisco
Answer
Your rose woes are part really wet weather and possibly the varieties you are growing. Some varieties are known black spot/rust machines. I would not spray with the oil spray at this time. Many of our customers have had great success with the Bayer rose and flower drench. While not considered organic, it does control all the bugs and fungus as well as feed. If you are opposed to a non organic control, I would prune back the roses that have finished flowering and remove as many of the affected leaves from top to bottom. Give them a feeding of Sul Po Mag to improve their disease resistance. Warm weather, or at least drier weather will help your bushes "turn the corner".
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