4256 Earney Rd., Woodstock, GA 30188
770-442-3901 www.autumnhillnursery.com
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Rose Spraying Program
Spraying method:
Beginning in late February, spray roses every 12-14 days. You will be spraying mainly fungicides. Be sure plants are well
watered before you begin spraying. Never apply insecticides or fungicides with a sprayer that has been used to apply weed
killers. Never spray on a windy day. During warm season of April thru September we suggest spraying either in the early
morning between 8 am and 11 am or in the evening between 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. Do not spray when the temperature is
above 85 degrees. If using a backpack sprayer, keep the pressure high and the droplet size small for best coverage. It is
very important to spray all leaves on both sides … no exceptions! Spray until the spray starts to run off the leaf.
The finer the spray the more even the coverage. It is a good idea to tap off excess spray of roses to help prevent
chemical damage.
Never mix insecticides with fungicides. If spraying for insects, only spray the buds and blooms. We don’t spray for
aphids, Japanese beetles and caterpillars unless they are a really, really serious problem. Spider mites are another story.
They will need to be treated with Tetra San. You will need to spray on the underside of leaves. You will have the most
trouble with them near the house. If you use too many insecticides it increases the spider mite potential so don’t want to
overdo your general spraying.
We suggest using a battery or gas powered sprayer as you will get better coverage when the roses get big and on the
climbers.
What to Spray:
A little goes a long way so use sparingly. You want to be careful not to kill the good bugs so you don’t want to overdo.
For disease control we recommend Banner Maxx (the generic is Honor Guard) mixed with Mancozeb. This is a broad
spectrum fungicide product. One prevents and one treats disease and together they do a good job of keeping your roses
free from fungus diseases. For an easy method of pest control we recommend Bayer All in 1 rose & flower care pest
control.
For blackspot – Banner Maxx (the generic is Honor Guard) mixed with Mancozeb. This can be sprayed before roses leaf
out. If you get or already have blackspot, spray every 5 days for 3 weeks to eradicate it from your garden. Once during the
3 week period you might consider spraying a different chemical like Daconil Ultrex powdered form (don’t use liquid form
as it can damage foliage).
For spider mites – Tetra San is what we recommend. Other treatments include Avid sprayed on the undersides of leaves
for light infestations. For heavy infestations mix Avid with either Floramite or Tetra San.
Note: For small gardens, washing the undersides of leaves with a water wand for 7 straight days is an alternative to
spraying for spider-mites.
For aphids – we recommend trying not to spray chemicals for these. If you wash the roses with water it will usually
eradicate these pests.
For all other insects – Fertilome Triple Action Plus (with Neem oil). This product is a fungicide, miticide and insecticide
and does a great job with most insects. Just spray buds and blooms, not the entire plant. Use all insecticides sparingly for
the healthiest plants over the entire season.
For thrips – use insecticide at first sign. You will see petals don’t open or are brown.
When spraying for disease, mix these chemicals in water in this order:
First – Indicate 5, enough to turn water pink, balances the pH and contains a surfactant(spreader/sticker) to evenly
distribute the spray across the leaves and stems.
Second – 1/3 tsp. Banner Maxx per gallon. Do not skimp!
Stir Vigorously!
Third – 1 Tbsp. Mancozeb (yellow liquid) per gallon. (Shake bottle well before opening.)
Stir vigorously then pour into sprayer.
When spraying for insects/spider mites, mix these chemicals in water in this order:
First – Indicate 5, enough to turn water pink, balances the pH and contains a surfactant(spreader/sticker) to evenly
distribute the spray across the leaves and stems.
Note: Years of testing have proven that pesticides and fungicides are more effective and last longer when mixed and
sprayed in a 4.5 to 5.5 pH solution.
Second – Insecticide/miticide, we suggest Fertilome Triple Action Plus (w/Neem oil), follow label instructions.
Stir vigorously then pour into backpack sprayer or other power sprayer.
Some basic tips to help prevent diseases and pest infestations:
Well maintained plants are less likely to be susceptible to disease. Watering, fertilizing and pruning are important
components of maintenance as well as good soil and mulching. Diseases are spread by air, water, soil, insects and direct
contact with diseased plant material.
- Keep beds clean and tidy by removing any weeds, dead leaves or debris daily
- Inspect your roses daily for any signs of stress, disease or insects and treat accordingly
- Water thoroughly – 9-11 gallons a week per rose – consider drip irrigation
- Mulch – 3 inches consistently – this retains moisture, helps fight weeds and keeps water from bouncing back on leaves.
- Good air circulation by pruning and opening up the plant and keeping plant material dry of moisture
- If soil borne disease is found, remove plant and the soil around it and replace it quickly to avoid contact with other
plants.