On 27/01/2014 14:43, Indigo wrote:

"Spider" wrote
On 26/01/2014 15:58, Indigo wrote:
A climber 'Kathleen Harrop' growing on an arch, is still in winter
mode and no hopeful buds yet, but I suppose it is in a little more
exposed position. That one is a paler pink sport of Zephirine Drouhin
but still has its parent's good points of no thorns and lovely scent.
The only problem I have with it is blackspot, to which poor Kathleen
is regularly a martyr. I keep threatening to replace her with a
younger model who won't need so much spraying and attention, but
relent every year when she flowers.

Try giving your black spotted roses an iron feed. I find it helps to
remove all leaves at this time of year (infected or not) and all leaf
debris on the ground. I find it has an amazing effect on affected
roses, lasting longer than the nastier chemicals (which will one day
be rescinded anyway), and a lot cheaper. Plus I usually have some in
the garden room, so don't have to rush out and buy some.

Oh thanks, Spider. I'll definitely try that tip and see if it improves
things.




I should have said it helps to use the iron as a foliar feed, as well as
soaking the ground to prevent spores rising and reinfecting the rose.
If you've got leaf spot, some of the resting spores will be on the stems
and framework of both the rose and your arch, so be thorough.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay