By Lizbone
Deux Sevres,
France 
Hi Another problem. I have a beautiful hybrid t rose forgotten name sorry, but it has dreadful mildew. It does get very hot here in the summer 30+ and minus 10 in winter. She has bloomed this year but the leaves etc look so sad. I have tried soaking copper coins in water for a week and then sprayed her but it has not improved the situation. I dread having to cut her back as she has struggled to bloom. Any advice or must I cut her down.
11 Jul, 2013
Answers
Powdery mildew usually arrives because of dryness at the roots, and a lack of vigour up top as a result. Very difficult to guard against, as there aren't sprays to cure it. The best method is best health and vigour of rose. There is definitely time to cut her back and start again. David Austin have just cut some of their stock back for later flower, so it must be ok. Thereafter, feeding and watering are very important. You'll have flowers 'til October
11 Jul, 2013
Try the milk solution, works really well on powdery mildew. 9 parts water to one part milk, spray the whole plant, underside of leaves and stems included. And, as Worthy says, increase watering at the roots if at all possible.
11 Jul, 2013
Does it have to be full cream milk Bamboo?
11 Jul, 2013
MANY THANKS FOR ALL YOUR HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS MUCH APPRECIATED.
12 Jul, 2013
no, merlin, skimmed is fine
13 Jul, 2013
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Have you tried a fungicide? Or thinning out a little for air circulation? Just a thought.
11 Jul, 2013