as they form they are hardbuds. the black dots could be where they have been got at by greenfly etc. they ooze a latex type fluid that would dry as balck dots. I would certainly wait and see.

some of mine have black bristles this year where they are normally green. so perhaps the cold snap has affected them.

thanks, our weather has been so weird. Broke a record yesterday for cold day in May. Hopefully, the poppies will still come through. So much rain too.
But on the other hand my roses look great!!!