Question
I live in zone 5.  Both my purebred and hybrid roses have canes which are significantly bare. There is an average amount of foliage and blossoms at the top of these affected canes.

Can you tell me what may be causing this, and how to treat it?
Obviously, it is making the bushes appear sickly.

Example: Currently, I have a cane on one of my New Dawn climbers that is primarily bare.  The cane is very green and pliable, larger in circumference, and 10-12 ft tall; mature.  But I also have this issue on younger canes and bushes.

The beds are mulched, and the decaying mulch is what I count on for fertilization.  I do not choose to use chemicals.

Any advise would be appreciated.

Answer
Hello Luann,

Bare canes on rose bushes are usually due to a disease such as blackspot.  Since you do not use chemicals, please read the link below.  It is for a mixture of baking soda and dish detergent to spray the roses. Spray your mulch as well- it will not hurt anything.   It does work but washes off easily in the rain.

http://www.rosemagazine.com/articles02/pages/blackspot.asp

Not sure if you are aware of the Kordes roses.  They are a German hybridizer that is known for disease resistant roses.  I like these and recommend them to folks that do not like to spray or do not have time to spray roses.

Hope that helps and check out the Kordes roses.  Chamblee's Roses has a great selection.  I saw their nursery this past May.  

Thanks,

Jay