Question
I have an old big red rose bush I inherited when I bought my home.  I pruned it back greatly in the beginning of March this year because it was over 6 feet tall.  It is growing nicely with new leaves and buds and is about 3 1/2 feet tall.  In the past few days though, I have noticed that some of the leaves have multiple white or gray spots.  Some of the spots then become holes. I have not noticed any bugs.  It is getting worse and not sure what to do.  It does not seem powdery as I've read about that problem.  I would appreciate some advice here to correct the problem.  And I do have a couple of other roses in the yard.  I don't want it to spread.  

Thanks.

St. Louis, MO

Answer
When spring weather conditions are right, roses will get a fungal disease called downey mildew. The fungus burns the leaf and causes that burnt part to die and then you get a hole in the leaf. You could try 1 tablespoon of baking soda to 2 quarts of water and spray it every day until there are no more grey spots. If that doesn't work then Orthos Rosepride and Funginex Rose and Shrub Disease Control. Ridiculous long name, but it is good and it does work. Just make sure it is the Funginex one, not the insecticide which is also called Rosepride.