| I have black spots on my rugosa rose hedge. I understand that I should remove the damaged leaves but on some of the plants the fungus has enveloped the whole plant. should I remove all of the leaves or prune off the damaged stems or cut the plant back to the roots. I try not to get ater on the leaves and I sprayed them with fungicide but thought that I can only spray once a month. |
| Cynthia, Don't prune the plant at this time. Go ahead and spray with a fungicide labeled for black spot control, such as Funginex. In late winter prune the roses as you would normally (NOT down to the roots) and then when new growth appears be ready to spray as needed to protect them from getting such a severe infection. It is easier to prevent diseases than to control such a large outbreak. |
