Lysol for Mildew on Roses

Powdery Mildew

• This fungus appears most often on new growth as mold spots, preceded by an unusual crinkling of the affected leaves. Soon the mold spots grow “fuzz,” or spores, that are soft and downy white in appearance. As the fungus spreads during days that are hot and dry, accompanied by cooler nights with ample moisture, the plant soon appears to be covered in fine white “powder.”

Lysol

• Many diseases, including powdery mildew, are transmittable between rose bushes. They can be spread by the bushes being close enough together to touch one another, by wind, splashing rain and even by the use of infected tools between bushes. Contaminated shears at pruning time are responsible for much disease spread among roses. Use Lysol spray or wipes to disinfect your pruning shears before you move to each bush to stop the spread of disease.

Organic Mildew Control

• Powdery mildew responds well to a spray that is made up of 4 tsp. of baking soda, 2 tbsp. of horticultural oil and 1 gallon of water. Mix the ingredients well in a pump sprayer or spray bottle, and coat the affected plant. This treatment has also been found to be effective against blackspot, another fungal disease that plagues roses. Use this spray once a week, preferably in the morning for the best results. A frequent morning washing with water from the hose may also help with preventing mildew, as long as the foliage is completely dry before nightfall.

Other Control

• There are also fungicides that work to prevent and eliminate powdery mildew, and should be used if organic measures fail. As a preventative measure, spray dormant spring plants with lime sulfur before they come out of dormancy.