The most effective fungicides currently are tebuconazole (Bayer Rose, Flower and Shrub Disease Control) and propiconazole (Banner, Fertilome Systemic, Bonide Infuse). Find a product containing only tebuconazole or propiconazole.

Classed as "reduced hazard pesticide" and also very effective are strobilurin fungicides. The only one I know of that is available for non-professionals is azoxystrobin (Heritage). It can be ordered from Rosemania online.

Use any of these every two weeks. When shopping, look for the active ingredients and don't listen to shop clerks. The Ortho rose fungicide is not as effective.

I know I'm not in Zone 7, but BS pressure here is high during spring/summer. I use the Bayer product and it has been phenomenal. Our roses are still fully leafed out from top to bottom, with the exception of 1 rose. I spray foliage as soon as it's no longer tender, just as it begins to turn completely green & loses its bronze cast.

I'm in NC in the piedmont. I use the Bayer product too. For most of my roses, a couple of times each summer will do, but not for the Austins. They need spraying about every two weeks. That's why I got rid of all Austins except one, and Pat Austin may end up gone. The chinas and teas could really do OK with no spray, but the couple shots I give them assure me that I won't have BS.

Emma, as time goes on I hope you'll be encouraged to branch out more into the old roses which will do best in your climate which I would think would be the teas, chinas and noisettes. They should require much less spraying so that your garden will not only be beautiful but a haven for insects, birds and other living creatures. The growth habit of these roses is also much more attractive than most modern roses, including the Austins. The small Bourbons do very well for me in my dry climate and are beautiful and I hope they'll also do well for you. You've just begun your journey into the world of old roses and it's an exciting one.

Ingrid

I agree with Ingrid, and have not touched spray for a few years now. SDLM, Duchesse de Brabant, Quietness get none or very little black spot. I don't spray Cottage rose, and it does fine. It drops the leaves and regrows them. Heritage will tend to show the spots, but will recover nicely.

Sammy

IâÂÂve been experimenting but so far IâÂÂve gotten the best results from Daconil. I sprayed this year every 4-5 weeks. 4-5 weeks is something I can live with, I donâÂÂt have the time for 7-10 days like I used to.

Abraham Darby - still got some BS, but kept enough leaves
Heritage - no BS
Ambridge - BS magnet, After 7 yrs I finally gave up and spâÂÂed it.
SDLM - no BS

From what source did you acquire your SdlM Rouge?

Chances are that the rose you have under that name is actually 'Leveson Gower'.

I agree with dennisb1 regarding SdlM: No BS.

However, with 'Leveson Gower' (aka SdlM Rouge): BS aplenty.