Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Inspect the undersides of the leaves for orange dust.
- Look for a white powdery film on the new growth.
- Check if the plant is crowded by other shrubs.
Likely causes
Rose Rust
Most likelyHow to tell: You will see bright orange, powdery pustules on the undersides of leaves and sometimes on stems.
What to do: Remove and destroy all infected leaves immediately to stop the spread. Apply a copper based fungicide spray every 7 to 14 days during damp weather.
Powdery Mildew
Most likelyHow to tell: A white, dusty coating appears on leaves, buds, and stems, often causing them to curl or distort.
What to do: Improve air circulation by pruning crowded branches. Spray the plant with a mixture of one tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water.
Find out what's wrong with your dog rose
The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.
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When to worry
Worry if the spots cover more than half the foliage or if the plant starts dropping leaves rapidly. Minor spots are common during wet spring weather.
Stopping it coming back
Water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep foliage dry. Prune annually to ensure good airflow through the center of the bush.
Dog rose: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dog rose and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.
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Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I save leaves that have spots?
- It is best to remove and dispose of heavily spotted leaves in the trash, not your compost bin. This prevents the fungal spores from spreading further.
- Will these spots kill my rose?
- Usually no, but they weaken the plant and make it look unsightly. If left untreated for several seasons, the plant may become stunted.
Guides to these causes
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This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.