Prune to eliminate the problem of canes that cross and can rub against each other, causing injury. Canes that are several years old can be removed as newer, more vigorous ones develop. Dead wood can be taken out at any time. Austin suggests that good repeat bloom can be obtained when less vigorous English varieties are pruned back after flowering to within a few inches of the ground, though at the expense of a well-shaped shrub. We rinse off bugs with a spray of water or use horticultural soap or other organic remedies as needed.
Black spot can be troublesome.
In spring '99 we began following the advice of rosarian Bob Williams and used Miracid as a foliar spray, wetting all leaf surfaces with a dilution of one tablespoon per gallon of water every 7-10 days. Spraying causes the dropping of affected leaves and their replacement by healthy new growth. We will monitor the long-term success of this treatment. Above all else, seek out resistant rose varieties. Flowers are medium pink shading to near white at the center.