Black spot is the most destructive disease of roses in Louisiana and is characterized by nearly circular black spots with frayed or fringed margins. Fungicides containing benomyl, captan, mancozeb, triforine, chlorothalonil, thiophanate methyl or thiphanate methyl plus mancozeb are recommended. Be sure to follow label directions. Roses may encounter insect problems. This will most likely occur several weeks after active growth starts.
Aphids are common on the terminal growth.
Thrips will be a problem on the flower. If you have a vegetable garden, cucumber beetles may move in on your roses in mid-spring to early summer. Insect Problems Watch for insect problems this spring. Lace bugs on azaleas and aphids or whiteflies on gardenias are common. Also examine camellias, sasanquas and hollies for scale insects on the lower foliage.