Help My Roses

Help! There are black spots on my roses. How can I get rid of this problem?

—Dollie Huskey, DeSoto, Missouri

Melinda: Black spot is a fungal disease common to roses. One solution is to replace your roses with a variety that resists black spot. Check with your county Extension office or a local nursery to learn what disease-resistant types will work in your area. Or, minimize its impact by applying a fungicide weekly at the first sign of the disease. Select a product labeled for use on roses to control black spot. In fall, rake and destroy the fallen rosebush leaves. Reduce the source of the disease for next season by picking off infected leaves before applying winter protection.