Question
I have a rose bush that I planted about 10 years ago. It does very well every year, but it is always plagued by some type of disease. One year it's white stuff on the leaves, then next black stuff. This year I planted a climbing rose bush 4 feet away from the original one. This year both of them have rust all over the leaves. What causes these types of diseases on the leaves? I use sprays and fertilize, cut back dead shoots, but every year it's something. I live near Washington D.C.

Answer
What you are describing are rose fungal diseases. You need a spray especially for fungal problems such as Funginex if you can still get it. If not, then garden sulphur will also solve the problem. Rust is mainly under the leaves so when you spray make sure you get it under as well as on top. Certain roses are very prone to rust and you may have picked ones that are. If that is the case then they will always get it when the conditions are right for it to start. Something to remember is that fungal diseases become tolerant to a certain chemical in a spray. If you have fungus problems, then it is a wisdom to keep two different kinds of sprays and alternate them every other year.