Knowledgebase

Spot on my rose bush, what’s next? #840435

Asked July 13, 2023, 9:41 AM EDT

Hello, I have a double knockout rosebush, the leaves have a grayish white spots on them. I will include a picture from the research I found I cut off all those leaves, trimmed them down, put on diatomaceous earth I put down wood chips. I’ll include another picture and use coffee grounds as a fertilizer in about two weeks later I had the spots came back. I see no signs of bugs, eggs I’m at a loss. What do I do? Please help me save my rosebush.

Broome County New York

Expert Response

Hello Tiffany,

Thank you for your inquiry and the photos.  I'm not sure what is going on with the rose.  It doesn't look like any of the usual suspects.  It almost looks like some kind chemical injury - something splashed on the foliage and petals that caused a scorch.  Has anything happened in the area like washing the siding on the house or washing a car nearby?  Even mild detergents can burn foliage in the sun.

If the spots don't change or progress in any way then I don't think it is disease.

Here is a good website to help identify rose problems: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems

See if anything matches your current symptoms.

Sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

Linda Svoboda
Horticulture Program Educator
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County
840 Upper Front Street Ste. 1
Binghamton, New York 13905-1566
<personal data hidden>

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 13, 2023, 1:43 PM EDT

Loading ...