Roses are one of the first flowers to leaf out and bloom in the spring. Since they come to life early and often under wet conditions, they are attacked by hungry aphids and powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is the whitish area that appears on the new leaf growth. Aphids are generally found on the rose buds. If aphid populations are high, they will destroy early blossoms.
Monterey Horticultural Oil is ideal for controlling aphids. Simply mix a 2% solution (2.4 oz per 1 gallon of water) and apply to the areas where aphids are present. Use a small tank sprayer or hand-held pump sprayer.
For powdery mildew there are several products available for control:
Monterey Complete Disease Control, A broad spectrum biofungicide and bactericide for control of plant diseases in home gardens. Drench application for control of diseases affecting plant roots, tubers, or other parts of plants in contact with soil in the home garden: Mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and apply to the soil. Spray application for control of powdery mildews, leaf spots, anthracnose, gray mold, and other disease affecting leaves, flowers, fruit, and other above-ground plant parts of home garden plants: Mix 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and apply directly to plants using a hand pump sprayer or other suitable spray equipment. Spray just enough to wet all leaves and fruit with minimal run-off or dripping.
Monterey Fungi-Max Brand is also an effective defense against powdery mildew on roses. Use a small tank sprayer or hand-held pump sprayer to thoroughly saturate the entire leaf surface of the rose. Mix 1-2 Tbsp in 1 gallon of water. Repeat at 3 week intervals throughout the powdery mildew season.
Helpful tip: you can mix Monterey Fungi-Max Brand with Monterey Horticultural Oil to kill both aphids and powdery mildew in one application!
Downy mildew also attacks roses in certain areas. If this disease is a problem in your rose garden, you can control it with Monterey Garden Phos. This is one of the few products available to control downy mildew. Mix 1½ teaspoons in a gallon of water and thoroughly saturate the leaf surface. Repeat every 7 days during the spring season.
Epsom Salts. For bigger and brighter rose blooms, a dose of Epsom Salts is a must! Simply apply a quarter cup of Epsom salts around the base of the rose bush and let the rainfall or irrigation carry it into the soil.
Always read complete label for rates and directions for use.
