What's eating my the dark lady rose?

The Dark Lady Rose, a full-petalled crimson David Austin shrub, is troubled by aphids, caterpillars, black spot, and deer. Aphids are the most common and consistent pest. Its lush, heavily-petalled blooms can also trap moisture favouring grey mould (Botrytis) in wet summers, adding to the disease management challenge.

Colonies of green or blackish aphids on shoot tips, bud stalks, and young leaves; sticky deposits, sooty mould, wilting buds Spray with insecticidal soap, neem oil, or pyrethrin; attract ladybirds and lacewings; intervene promptly before colonies peak in late spring

Leaves fastened together with silk threads forming protective rolls; feeding inside causes ragged holes and browning Unroll silk-bound leaves by hand and destroy larvae; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray in spring when young caterpillars are active

Fluffy grey fungal growth on petals and buds especially in wet weather; flower buds 'ball' and fail to open Remove and bin affected flowers and buds immediately; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply copper-based fungicide if severe

Shoots and large flower buds browsed off; antler rub scoring on basal stems; damage worst in spring and autumn Install deer-proof fencing; wrap lower stems; apply egg-solids deer repellent spray monthly during growing season