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			Rose Care - The Proper Way
		Roses are more susceptible to pests, notably aphids and Japanese beetles, than probably any other plant in the garden. I have tried systemic "food/insecticide" combinations. They don't work. During Japanese beetle season (July and August), we add Sevin to our weekly spray if required. For aphids in June and September, we would add Iso-Tox or Malathion.
			"Blackspot" is a fungus that exists in most soils that discolors rose leaves and eventually kills them. A denuded rose plant in late August is one that has been infected by blackspot. This can all be prevented (any plant with all its leaves working is a healthier plant - let alone more pleasing to look at) with a weekly spraying of fungicide. And once a month, I strongly recommend spraying the ground beneath each rose. Through experience, I am convinced it helps.
				To completely stop blackspot, one must begin spraying in the spring when the new spring shoots are no longer than 2" in length. We continue such weekly fungicide spraying into October ILG doesn't completely stop blackspot for the typical customer because if it rains on Wednesday after we've sprayed on Tuesday, the fungicide will be washed off the leaves and we won't re-spray until the following Tuesday. No customer has ever asked us to come daily, or whenever necessary, just to spray the roses. But with our weekly spraying we can generally prevent 90% or more of blackspot and for my existing customers, that seems to be acceptable. The fungicide we use is copper based. I have tried baking soda and water. It is not nearly as effective as a copper based product. And from June through September, we combine our fungicide spraying with the appropriate pesticide.
					For additional rose topics, see Rose Types Rose Care Done the Proper Way Rose Problems and What To Do About Them