Hi, First post here and of course it's a problem... My rose stems are going black (and the roses themselves are far more purple than usual). A pic is attached to illustrate the problem: Any suggestions most welcome!!! Thanks very much.
Thats rose canker,I suggest euthanasing then cremating the plant. Cross infection is quite probable so I suggest you clean your secateurs with bleach or meths after pruning each bush. Chances are that you will have it on other bushes as well. It's usually a sign of poor soil conditions or stressed plants
Just a thought however: Take a good look at the rest of the stems, and other plants of the same variety. Some rose hybrids have stems that naturally go mottled and purplish. Learn your roses by observation so you know when to push the panic button.
