[shcisamax]

We planted a couple standard drift roses a month or so ago. I just noticed little white spots...especially on the buds...almost like sugar sprinkled. Any idea what it is and how to get rid of it?

[asianthree]

snip a leaf and take it to a nursey..should be able to id

[socrafty]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

We planted a couple standard drift roses a month or so ago. I just noticed little white spots...especially on the buds...almost like sugar sprinkled. Any idea what it is and how to get rid of it?

Possiby powdery mildew

Symptoms: Leaves, buds, and stems are covered with a white powdery coating. Disease Cycle: The white fuzzy growth on the leaf surface contains thousands of fungal spores. Wind carries these spores to young leaves, causing more infection. Mildew diseases of other plants do not infect roses. Mildew develops rapidly during warm, humid weather.

Control: Throughout the growing season, the infection can be reduced through sanitation and fungicide application. Pruning and destroying all dead or diseased canes in the spring will reduce the initial fungus population. During the growing season, all diseased leaves should be destroyed. New growth is especially susceptible; therefore, a thorough spray or dust coverage of canes and upper and lower leaf surfaces (especially growing tips) is essential. Under most conditions, weekly applications are adequate; however, treat more often during rapid new growth, temperature fluctuations, and frequent rains.

[Uptown Girl]

If it is mostly just on the buds, it could be a type of aphid. Try swishing a budded branch end in a container with dish soap +water. (disposable tupperware type container is good, as you can see through it.) If they are aphids, they will drop off and remain in the water.

If you think they ARE aphids, you can spray the whole plant with a dish soap/water combo. That should safely help keep it to a minimum. Dawn or lemon dish soap are both good. ( don't spray in full sun, please) If the plants are small yet, feel free to swish ends like above, in a container. You won't kill the buds.

If you think you need more help, Bayer makes a 3-in-1 systemic product for roses that is easy. You mix it in a bucket of water and pour it around the base of the rose bush periodically as per product directions. I have used it with great results.