Troubleshooting
Rose problems — and how to fix them
Rose (Rosa) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Black spot
Fungal disease; choose resistant varieties, prune for airflow, and remove fallen leaves.
Powdery mildew
Common in dry warm spells with humid nights; thin growth and improve airflow.
Aphids on buds
Tolerable in small numbers; encourage ladybirds.
Rose rust
Orange pustules on undersides; remove infected leaves and dispose.
Blind shoots (no flowers)
Prune blind shoots back to a healthy bud to force re-flowering.
Prevent rose problems before they start
Most rose issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Rose problems — FAQ
Why is my rose black spot?
Fungal disease; choose resistant varieties, prune for airflow, and remove fallen leaves.
Why is my rose powdery mildew?
Common in dry warm spells with humid nights; thin growth and improve airflow.
Why is my rose aphids on buds?
Tolerable in small numbers; encourage ladybirds.
Why is my rose rose rust?
Orange pustules on undersides; remove infected leaves and dispose.
Why is my rose blind shoots (no flowers)?
Prune blind shoots back to a healthy bud to force re-flowering.