Question
Several years ago, we planted a row of "Simplicity" pink roses, hopeing to have a beautiful, rose hedge next to a rail going up to our home.

These roses constantly have "black spot" sometimes to the point of losing all the leaves.  I keep pruning them to no avail.  I would like to replace them slowly this season.  Do I have to replace the top soil?   If I do not, what shrub or hedge rose can I use that blooms most of the summer and is very   
very disease resistant.  We get sun there about 75% of the day.

Sophia

Answer
Hi Sophia...........

As far as there being a rose that is completely free from black spot........then, it probably is not a rose.  Weather plays a large role, so does your fungicide program(pro-active at least once a month, even before you see it)....If you live close to water or your state is prone to humid summers(that is me in alabama)then black spot is part of your maintenance.... You do not have to replace the soil,by the way, if you replant.....
    You may find antique roses are more to your liking though...........i love the ballerina rose(a lovely shrub rose that blooms in clusters/panicles).  there is an antique china rose that blooms one color and changes colors twice again(mutabilis) also called the butterfly rose....
Go online and look at Roses of Yesterday, and let me know what you think.......God bless, and good luck.
visit with us also:
www.angelique-roses.com
                             janet williamson