Not RRD. The brown area is a concern at the rose base on the left. I call that canker and try to prune it off.

I have some bad looking canes that grow just fine and could wait longer to be pruned off.

Of course, any RRD needs immediate action.

‘Not RRD. The brown area is a concern at the rose base on the left. I call that canker and try to prune it off.”

I’ll ask so Lindsay doesn’t have to:

1. cut below the brown?

2. what is different about the brown area at the rose base on the right that makes it not the same concern? Shade? Vertical extent? Degree of variegation? Protection by David Austin?

No RRD. I'm not even sure what you think looks like RRD.

RRD might be scaring away potential rose growers. Too bad. RRD stinks and I have to deal with some every year. But. it's no reason not to grow roses. It's not that hard to manage.

Certainly not RRD.

I struggled to see the canker spot so for those who are like me, there is a suspect round bulbous shape near the base of the left most cane. When I zoomed in to inspect the image closer, I also saw aphids, so Lindsay you’ll want to get them under control asap. I concur, not RRD.

Thank you so much! I think I’m being over concerned because I have had a lot of black spot that I did not catch early last year and it spread to a lot of my other roses. I am aware of the aphids and trying to combat them currently.

Lindsay, my best aphid protection is putting water out for the birds. The sparrows come to drink and stay for aphids for lunch. It’s fun to watch them rustling through the roses.

Rebecca