Gardeners need to be aware that the roses do not just need to be protected from the cold in January, as the wet weather means that diseases like black spot can make an appearance. 

Black spot is a serious fungal disease in which roses develop black patches across their leaves, which eventually turn yellow and fall off. 

Their spores typically spread through the wind but cannot germinate without water, which is why the rain and sludge at this time of year can be dangerous for your garden. 

This disease is unlikely to kill roses on its own, but when left untreated, it will greatly weaken the plant, making it less likely to survive in the winter.

It will also stunt a rose plant's growth and make it less capable of producing flowers, so your garden will likely be bare once summer arrives.

However, the gardeners at Dammann’s Garden Company have shared that stopping black spot is incredibly easy and you do not need harsh chemicals to do so. 

How to stop black spot harming roses

It may sound bizarre, but natural remedies like baking soda can prevent the disease as it creates an alkaline environment on the surface, which will disrupt spore growth. 

Simple white vinegar you put on chips can help get rid of black spot disease as it contains acetic acid, which is mildly antifungal and can kill spores. 

The expert said: “Toxic solutions might be effective, but they are damaging to your garden and soil and should be used as a last resort. Vinegar and baking soda are a great way to safely combat the growing fungus by changing the pH balance. A mixture of cow’s milk and water will do the same thing.”

The proteins in cow’s milk are antifungal and also act as a surfactant, so not only will they kill spores, but prevent them from being able to germinate on the leaves. 

You can also use neem oil, which coats roses in a protective film. This makes it difficult for the spores to spread and disrupt any already present on the plant. 

The expert said: "This is a commercial oil that is derived from evergreen neem trees, and works great as a natural fungicide, preventing the Black Spot-causing fungus from thriving. Make sure you follow the directions on the container to mix the oil to the right concentration."

How to prevent black spot disease  

However, if your roses are currently healthy and you are simply worried about this disease, the best way to prevent it is to keep your flowers dry.

Roses that are overgrown will create more moisture and have restricted airflow, which makes them the perfect breeding ground for diseases. 

Make sure to prune your roses at the right time, which tends to be in February or March. 

Also, pick up any debris or fallen leaves around your roses. Spores can easily travel on fallen foilage, which contains a lot of moisture. 

It is also important to mulch your roses in winter so that they have the water they need during the cold weather but also smother weeds, which will also stop spores from spreading.

The expert said: “Add a layer of mulch to the soil to keep the moisture locked in despite the better airflow, simultaneously keeping the roots healthy and suffocating developing weeds.”