Problem Plants
Rose
Roses are well loved and widely planted. However, in Seattle's damp and cool climate, roses may be prone to diseases such as black spot and powdery mildew.
Help prevent disease problems by planting disease-resistant roses.
Tips:
- Plant roses where they get plenty of sun--at least six hours a day--and good air circulation.
- Remove all leaves up to 1 to 1-1/2 feet off the ground to prevent water from splashing onto them.
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Potection: During winter mound the bases
of the plants with leaves or straw. If it is very
dry during the summer mulch the plants to retain moisture.
Treat Rose diseases in the least-toxic way:
- Remove and dispose of all affected leaves.
- Prune off diseased canes; rake up all leaves in fall.
- Use a drip-watering system instead of a regular sprinkler. Sprinklers splash water and can help spread powdery mildew.
- Treat problems individually instead of using systemic combinations of insecticides or fungicides.
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Use less-toxic remedies, such as baking
soda and sulphur, for diseases.
Rose Food Recipe:
42% bloodmeal, 36% super-phosphate or bonemeal, 9.5% sulphate of potash, 7.5% kelp meal and 5% sulpomag
Courtesy of Carole Rubin: 'How to get your lawn and garden off drugs'