leaves and stems look sick and grey
"My miniature roses are infected with some sort of disease which turns leaves and stem grey and causes them slowly to wither and die. It started at the base of the plant and is making its way towards the top. I have this happen some years ago and the plants were totally destroyed by this disease. Would you please give me some advice and treatment.
Thank you"
"Hi,
Thanks for writing. It sounds to me like your roses have powdery mildew, a very common disease. Help prevent powdery mildew by growing your roses in a spot with full sun and where air flows freely. Still air encourages the disease.
There's not a lot you can do to treat it. You can use a garden fungicide labeled for use on powdery mildew; it will stop the disease from spreading any farther so your roses can develop new, healthy growth. You might use the fungicide during periods of warm, humid weather --- spray as instructed on the packaging to help prevent the powdery mildew from coming back.
---Justin, Senior Garden Editor, BHG.com"
