Rose: Black spot

• Categories: Flowers Ornamentals Rose Rose Diseases
• Last review date: 2026-08-28 02:29

Biology

Black spot is a very common fungal infection of the leaves and canes of roses.

Round black leaf spots (sometimes with fringed or feathery edges) may be accompanied by leaf yellowing and leaf drop in susceptible varieties.

Canes often display small reddish-purple to black spots.

High humidity, rain, and overhead watering contribute to the development of this disease. Black spot is spread by splashing water.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Non-chemical Management

Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!

• Avoid overhead watering. If overhead watering is necessary, water during the morning hours so leaves can dry quickly.
• Space plantings and prune to improve air circulation. Good air circulation limits disease development.
• Prune and destroy diseased leaves and canes. Do not compost diseased material.
• Rake and destroy all fallen leaves from under plants.
• Plant resistant varieties. Your county extension agent or WSU Master Gardeners can make recommendations.

Chemical Management

• Apply frequently in wet spring weather and occasionally in summer.
• Copper fungicides may cause some discoloration of foliage or blooms.

Approved Pesticides

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Bonide Copper Fungicide Spray or Dust RTU [Organic]
  Active ingredient: basic copper sulfate
  EPA registration number: 4-58
• Bonide Fung-onil Multi-Purpose Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 60063-9-4
• Bonide Infuse Systemic Disease Control Lawn and Landscape
  Active ingredient: thiophanate methyl
  EPA registration number: 53883-183-4
• GardenTech Daconil Fungicide Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 67572-82-71004
• Monterey Horticultural Oil [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil/pet distillate light
  EPA registration number: 48813-1-54705
• Monterey Liqui-Cop Copper Fungicidal Garden Spray
  Active ingredient: copper-ammonia complex
  EPA registration number: 54705-7
• Ortho Max Garden Disease Control Concentrate
  Active ingredient: chlorothalonil
  EPA registration number: 239-2522
• Spectracide IMMUNOX Multi-Purpose Fungicide Spray Concentrate
  Active ingredient: myclobutanil
  EPA registration number: 9688-123-8845
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.