I have several hybred roses and 3 shrub roses.?

Question

They all died this summer. Black spot, fungisides, leaves dropped as soon as the heat and humidity hit the midwest. I sprayed and fed and did everything I was supposed to do early spring and as long as it stayed cool, they did fine. They are planted in different areas around the yard.

Any info is greatly appreciated.

Chicago IL

Answer 1

sorry to hear u lost them all, so whats the question!

Answer 2

Are they dead?  Roses can loose leaves and come back again.  If the stems are green there is still hope.

Roses are tough as nails.  They only need good drainage, deep watering and regular feeding.  With humidity you will have to spray.  

Heat doesn't worry them they are grown commercially in my area and the summer temperatures range from 30 to 40 degrees all through summer.

The main things that could have gone wrong are:

1.  Let soil dry out when they where initially planted.  New plants must be keep watered until established and then they can be quite drought hardy.

2.  Fertilized at planting and burnt the roots off.

3.  Rotted off due to overwatering and rain.

Plant new ones in spring if dead, keep well watered to established and use a seaweed extract (available at garden centres) to established (root promoter and tonic).

Mulch well with hay etc, this helps with fungal diseases (black spot is in the soil over winter) and also keeps the the soil constantly moist and cool in summer.  They also need at least 6 hours of sun a day.

Look at the varieties you are growing some varieties go better in humid climates and some newer varieties have been developed to cope better with humidity.  also some of the old tried and true varieties are tougher. They are not all robust.

Don't be put off, if your neighbours are growing them so can you.  Not hard with the right advice.

Answer 3

It could have been rose downy mildew. http://www.rose-roses.com/problems/fungi...

This is treated differently than black spot or other fungal problems check this web and see it you had the symptoms. It will kill them if not kept in check.

Answer 4

I live in south east Michigan and all my roses have done great this year.I spray them every week and I never miss a spray.I also use a granular fertilizer and have in ground drip system in the raised beds.

Answer 5

cut them back to about 4/5 inches from the ground they  should  grow back.roses are pretty tough