Rust is a fungal disease that affects many UK garden plants, causing orange, yellow, brown, or black spots on leaves and stems. It’s most common in warm, damp conditions in summer and autumn.
How to Spot Rust
- Small orange, yellow, or brown pustules on leaves
- Leaves may yellow, curl, or drop early
- Powdery spores visible on the underside of leaves
- Often affects roses, hollyhocks, snapdragons, and beans
Why It Happens
Rust thrives when plants are:
- Crowded, with poor air circulation
- Wet for long periods (from rain or overhead watering)
- Stressed or poorly nourished
What Helps
- Remove affected leaves immediately and dispose of them (don’t compost)
- Space plants well and improve airflow
- Water at the base, not overhead, to keep leaves dry
- Keep plants healthy with good feeding
Biological & Eco-Friendly Control
- Some fungal sprays or natural treatments can slow rust spread (look for organic or plant-safe products)
- Planting resistant varieties helps prevent infection
- Encourage beneficial microbes in soil to boost plant resilience
Top Tip
Early detection is key. Regularly check leaves, remove infected foliage, and care for your plants—healthy plants are much less likely to suffer severe rust.
