What is wrong with my Rose Bush leaves?
By Piddy
Sussex, United Kingdom
I did put this question on before but didn't get a definate answer as I didn't put a photo on straight away and hope someone can help me this time.
I have a Rose Bush in a pot on my patio the Roses look lovely but the leaves always look horrible like something has been eating them, I don't think it is slugs or snails although I do get a lot in our garden, I can't see anything else on it either, do you think it is Sawfly Rose slug damage it has been there all year?
- 18 Oct, 2012
Answers
yes, my patio roses look the same, but they didn't LAST YEAR, so I am putting it down to the awful wet Summer which attracted all sorts of nasties in the garden.
18 Oct, 2012
Give it a good spray with Rose Clear next spring when the new leaves appear. That would help with the Blackspot.
18 Oct, 2012
Also try to pick up all the old leaves as they fall and burn them as the black spot fungus survives the winter in the soil. The holes could well be slugs as they come out at night and hide in the morning so you may not see them.
18 Oct, 2012
The black spots are black spot fungus!! Pick the leaves off and either burn them or put them into the rubbish bin. Don't put them on the compost heap as you won't kill the fungal disease. Pick up the leaves from the ground and dispose as above. As the plants get old and you may want to replace them you can now buy specific varieties which are resistant to black spot.
The cut leaves are the work of leaf cutter bees. About 12mm long, these are delightful creatures that have been around for several million years so I don't think you will mind them if they want a bit of your rose. Remember they will only take healthy foliage, so you must be doing something right. If you are very lucky you may catch them at it and fly away with what looks like a green sail in their mouth. This is rolled up like a cigar with an egg inside. The hatched larva then lives inside until ready to take up it's place in your garden. Southportsmith.
19 Oct, 2012
That's interesting Southp - I thought the bees only cut from around the edge of the leaf not the middle.
19 Oct, 2012
Which ever it is they will soon fall off now, and you can hope for a better start next spring.
18 Oct, 2012