Anyone else experiencing mildew explosion? We are currently having the hottest may on record. I would say over 80% of my Charles De Mills hybrids have mildew, however there are 3-4 which seem immune. All ready culled a few as it was the whole plant… I guess this is how I bring down my numbers
Extreme heat causes water stress and that stress inhibits the plant’s immune system. I’d read in rose books from Britain decades ago that water stress causes even resistant types to mildew. I didn’t believe it until I did it. It also causes them to rust. I’ve done that too.So, when either rust or mildew hits one of the roses, I increase the water and very often, it stops. When it doesn’t, a shovel cures it permanently.
1 Like
Yeah the very worst I have put to rest but it’s good in way as I don’t have space for the amount I have. Additionally we had 2 late frosts 2 weeks ago which killed off most of the anthers on the early flowering roses. It’s been a mental start to the season.
1 Like
I am yet to really experience rust (other than one selfling I found), I imagine it will show it self eventually. What happened with your heat induced mildew event?
Also I watched a video of a rose youtuber (Fraser valley rose farm) and he called Charles De Mills “Charles De Mildew”. Now I have never seen mildew on Charles De Mills in my climate, however I am betting when you cross mostly Portlands who are also known for mildew (only seen very little one year) with Charles that’s what happens. Then we have a frost of about -1 followed by 30 degrees celcious 2 weeks later. As I say the worse hit ones have been culled but I would say it is an epedemic… The trials are very much in effect.
1 Like