Black spot is a common fungal disease in the UK, especially on roses. It causes black spots on leaves, weakens plants, and can lead to early leaf drop, but it’s manageable with careful care.
How to Spot Black Spot
- Round black spots on leaves, often with yellowing around them
- Leaves yellow and drop early, leaving plants bare
- Stems may be weak if infection is severe
Why It Happens
Black spot thrives when plants are:
- Wet for long periods (rain, overhead watering, or poor airflow)
- Crowded or shaded with poor circulation
- Stressed or poorly fed
What Helps
- Remove infected leaves immediately (don’t compost)
- Space plants for good airflow and prune to improve circulation
- Water at the base, not overhead
- Feed regularly to keep roses healthy
Biological & Eco-Friendly Control
- Organic fungicides can slow infection
- Plant resistant rose varieties to reduce risk
- Keeping the soil healthy with mulch and compost improves plant resilience
Top Tip
Check leaves weekly in spring and summer. Early action and good care keep your roses healthy, flowering, and black-spot free.
