Rusty leaves and dessicated bud on "Dr. Kelley" in May, 2010 |
Treating the DoctorEven the most well-cared-for gardens have ocassional problems with pests and disease. This year with an El Nino Spring, the Historic Rose Garden found its share of powdery mildew, rust and other problems promoted by cool, damp weather. Rust was particularly bad on the Hybrid Perpetuals, developing on leaves, stems and blooms. Some plants were so bad they appeard orange from a distance.We determined to take drastic action with one HP; "Dr. Kelley" (a found rose that is possibly Paul Neyron).On May 18, Judy Eitzen stripped the leaves, and gave the plant almost a winter pruning - cutting off dead and diseased canes. The area around the plant was then cleared of debris. |
When Judy noticed that her activity had created a cloud of rusty spores (should have worn a mask), it was decided to hit the rose with a hard stream of water. Finally, she sprinkled it with a sanitizing solution of Physan.
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"Dr. Kelley" ID tag showing rust spores that floated through the air during pruning |
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"Dr. Kelley" stems in winter - he's rarely out of bloom. |
"Dr. Kelley" also showed signs of Powdery Mildew |
After treating "Dr. Kelley", we worked on other plants, removing badly rusted leaves as we found them and waited to see what would happen with 'the doctor'.By the first of July, the now clean plant has leafed out and is beginning to bloom again with no reappearance of rust. While there is some slight incidence of Powdery Mildew, we are hopeful that we stopped the rust. We will continue to watch to see what the rest of the season (and the next one) brings. |
Photo of "Dr. Kelley" taken July 3, 2010 with clean new growth, blooms and buds. |
Rusty leaves with new growth
Rust on underside of leaves and diseased cane
