What Is Powdery White Stuff on My Rose Bush Leaves?

Powdery mildew, the most common rose bush disease, earned its name because the fungal pathogens cause a white powdery growth to coat the leaves, buds, flowers and stems. Early signs of powdery mildew include small, blister-like lesions appearing on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the infected leaf surfaces develop small, circular white spots. The spots enlarge and merge to form a large mat of white mildew.

The powdery mildew pathogens kill plant cells in the leaves, resulting in curled, distorted or crinkled foliage that typically falls from the shrub prematurely. The leaves can't undergo photosynthesis while covered with mildew, which causes the infected rose plant to lose vigor.

The white powdery coating on rose bush leaves contains thousands of microscopic fungal spores (Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae) that invade the plant tissue to feed and reproduce. Small, dark fruiting structures allow the fungi to survive the winter on rose bushes and fallen plant debris. Powdery mildew primarily occurs in the spring when warm days are followed by cool, damp evenings. Because this disease thrives in cloudy conditions and high humidity levels, the symptoms typically disappear once the hot summer weather arrives. Powdery mildew fungal spores easily spread to new rose bushes through wind gusts.

Roses prefer fully sunny locations that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. Planting bushes in full sun also helps prevent powdery mildew because direct sunlight and hot temperatures more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit usually kill the fungal spores. Cleaning up garden debris prevents the fungal pathogens from overwintering near your shrub, while applying a thick layer of organic mulch early in spring can help cover up any spores that overwintered in the soil. Prune off and destroy infected foliage, and selectively prune out dense interiors to increase the amount of airflow throughout the entire plant. Two or three times a week, spray your rose bush with a hard stream of water from the garden hose to wash off the spores that haven't yet invaded the plant tissue.

Although control is primarily achieved through cultural practices, severe powdery mildew infections might require a little chemical help. Although no cure exists as of July 2013, you can often prevent and control the spread of powdery mildew disease by using a simple homemade solution. Simply mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda and 2 tablespoons of a lightweight horticultural oil for each gallon of water. Spray your bush until the foliage glistens with moisture. Reapply the solution every seven days for the best results.