In her weekly newsletter, Growing Wonder with Felicia Alvarez: Simple Tips for Thriving Roses, Gardens & Homes, Felicia offers expert advice to help you cultivate stunning roses, vibrant gardens, and welcoming homes. Each edition features a subscriber-submitted question, where Felicia provides thoughtful answers to your rose, garden, and home-related queries. This Q&A was originally featured as a highlighted question from one of our subscribers, published in the newsletter.
Q: "How much spring growth should I allow on my established roses before I begin my weekly spraying of fungicides? What about beginning newly planted bare roots on the fungicide regime?"
Submitted by: Bob from Charlotte, North Carolina - Zone 8b, Gardener
A: Hey Bob! For your established roses in Zone 8a, begin your weekly fungicide spraying once you see 2–4 inches of new growth or as soon as leaves start to unfurl. Since spring arrives earlier in your zone, you may need to start spraying by late winter to early spring, depending on your local conditions. The key is to prevent fungal issues before they take hold, so earlier is better, especially if you have a history of black spot or powdery mildew. Organic options include
cooper based sprays or biologicals (e.g., Bacillus subtilis-based sprays like
Cease) or synthetic chemicals like
Propiconazole or
Tebuconazole.
For newly planted bare-root roses, begin a fungicide routine as soon as they start leafing out. Since bare roots are more vulnerable while establishing, consider starting with a gentler fungicide like a
copper-based spray or
biological fungicides before transitioning to your regular program. Be mindful of moisture levels—new plants are more sensitive to over-spraying and make sure to stop overhead watering once you see leaves emerge. Ensure good airflow and avoid spraying in cool, damp conditions when disease pressure is higher.
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