vaporvac said:Margie, I wonder if that spray they mention would help for blackspot as a fungicide.
Perhaps, but it sounds like a lot of prep work.
I have been using Actinovate SP and OxiDate. I begin my schedule by applying Actinovate in early spring. Than every 2 weeks I apply the OxiDate. I make sure I spray the leaves, the canes and the soil under the canopy of each rose. I also spray any nearby perennials and shrubs. Note: the very first time I used Actinovate I drudged the soil under each rose bush - 1 gallon of water mixed with 1 teaspoon of Actinovate. When I receive a new bareroot roses I soak them in a pail of water with Actinovate - prevention is key. Finally, in the Fall/winter when the roses are going or have gone dormant I prune the roses. I can not see the point of overwintering any possible fungus on the canes. In general, I prune by 1/3. At this time, I apply the Actinovate again for a second time and last time for the year. All the roses, are winterized by mounding with a few shovelfuls of topsoil mixed with a small amount of perlite and mulch. The idea behind adding the small amount of mulch & perlite to the topsoil is to create some air circulation. Lastly, I top off the topsoil mixture with mulch. Some of the hybrid teas are sensitive to the very cold weather - those are wrapped in burlap. I form a teepee using 3 garden stakes secured at the top, wrap the burlap around and staple the selvage ends. This cone shape prevents snow or rain from accumulating at the very top.
