Growing roses here in Florida is somewhat problematic, but when I grew
roses, I found that ortho systemic feed and insect killer worked best. I
knew of no home remedy that handled the variety of problems that arise here
in this hot, moist environment. The ortho stuff was a powder and one put
about a third of a cup (they provide a measurer) into the soil at the
base of each bush. It was high in phosphorous for the blooms and the
systemic insecticide eliminated most insects. It did less to eliminate the
fungi that occasionally tried to move in, but I believe it helped somewhat
with them.
RD
