Rose gardeners across Rhode Island often face a common enemy: black spot fungus. This pesky disease thrives in our humid coastal climate, causing unsightly dark patches on leaves and eventually weakening entire plants. I’ve battled this fungus in my own Warwick garden for years, trying everything.
Black spot spreads quickly during Rhode Island’s wet spring and summer months, when moisture lingers on leaves. Left untreated, it can defoliate your prized roses by mid-season and reduce flowering. The good news? There are effective solutions that work especially well in our Ocean State growing conditions.
With proper care and consistent management, your roses can thrive despite this common problem. These fifteen strategies have helped countless Rhode Island gardeners maintain healthy, beautiful rose gardens even when black spot threatens.
1. Prune Affected Leaves Immediately
At the first sign of black spots, grab your pruning shears. Remove affected leaves and any fallen debris around the plant base. In Rhode Island’s humidity, infected leaves become fungal launching pads…