How do I prevent and treat Blackspot?
Blackspot is one of the most common fungal diseases in roses, but the good news is—it’s both preventable and treatable. With good planning and attentive care, your roses can stay healthy and blooming all season long.
Choose a disease-resistant variety
While no rose is completely immune to Blackspot, some are much more resistant. A few of our favorites include:
Apricot Abundance, Electron, By Appointment, Welsh Gold, Morning Has Broken, Carefree Beauty, Highfield, William Baffin, Amber Abundance, Lawrence of Arabia, Sharifa Asma, Velvet Abundance, Soaring Flight, Black Pearl, Belle Epoque, and Berolina.
Plant in the right location
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Choose a sunny spot with 6–8 hours of sunlight per day.
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Ensure good air circulation by spacing roses appropriately and pruning inner branches.
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Improve drainage by working in well-composted organic matter to the soil.
Water wisely
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Keep foliage dry. Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Drip systems or soaker hoses are ideal.
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Water when the soil is dry 2–3 inches below the surface.
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If using overhead sprinklers, water in the late morning so the leaves have time to dry.
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Avoid splashing water on leaves, and keep the area around your roses free of fallen leaves and debris. Blackspot spores can survive in leaf litter and be splashed back onto the plant.
Stay alert and act fast
Early detection is key. Look for circular, jagged black spots on lower leaves. Infected leaves may turn yellow and fall off easily. If left untreated, roses may grow poorly or stop blooming.
Use a preventative fungicide spray every 7–14 days during the growing season to help reduce the chance of infection.
Prune smart
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In early spring, prune away any canes with visible Blackspot damage, making your cuts well below the affected area.
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Clean all pruning tools with a 10% bleach solution to avoid spreading the fungus.
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Remove and discard any fallen leaves or debris around the base of the plant. Do not compost infected material.
Treat immediately if Blackspot appears
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Remove all infected leaves from the plant and surrounding ground.
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Apply a fungicide labeled for Blackspot and follow the recommended frequency and duration.
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Rotate chemical treatments throughout the season to prevent the fungus from developing resistance.
With consistent care and quick action, your roses can stay strong and beautiful—even in the face of Blackspot.
Need help finding the right treatment? Browse our treatment solutions to support a healthy garden all season long.