The first signs of disease or pest infestation can usually be seen in late spring or even in summer. However, an infection has often taken place months before, namely when the rose was still in hibernation. A large number of pathogens (especially fungi!) and harmful insects overwinter either on the rose itself or in the surrounding soil area. Hygiene is therefore immensely important, especially after an infection that has already been overcome in the previous year, in order to prevent a new illness.
Pests often attack roses in spring
Fungal spores often overwinter in rose leaves
Black spot and rose rust are among the most common rose diseases. Although they can be combated quite well if noticed in good time, they often reappear every year. The reason for this is usually a lack of hygiene, because the fungal spores overwinter on the underside of the leaves: if you look closely, you can see them as small black dots on the underside of the leaves. Therefore, not only the infected rose leaves should be removed, but also the fallen leaves on the ground should be carefully raked away, especially in autumn and winter. Do not dispose of this in the compost either - this will otherwise develop into a new source of infection - but throw it in the household waste. Properly prune roses in spring and fortify them with herbal tonics. Healthy roses develop their own defenses with which they can defend themselves.
Get rid of insect larvae in the soil
The larvae of many harmful insects, such as the leaf roller wasp, the rose sawfly or the leafhopper hibernate in the ground and pupate there during the cold season. In the spring, the cocoon finally hatches and the young adult pests lay their eggs on the rose again. To prevent this, work the soil around the roses thoroughly with a hoe in late winter and early spring to disrupt the pupation of the larvae. To finish off the animals completely, disinfect the floor with garlic or horsetail broth.
tips
For many rose diseases, successful treatment depends on diagnosing the infection or infestation as quickly as possible and taking appropriate countermeasures. Otherwise, especially in severe cases, the only option is to radically cut back the affected rose in the hope that it will survive the procedure. Therefore, check your roses regularly and carefully from the very first shoots in early spring.