What is wrong with my Cherokee rose plant?

Do the leaves have pale areas on upper surfaces and "downy" patches underneath?

Are the leaves pale on their upper side and are there any dusty blisters on the undersides?

Are the leaves covered with white powder?

Are the leaves mottled with yellow patterns?

Do the leaves and stems have black spots on them?

Do the leaves and flowers have holes?

Are the leaves covered in coarse stippling and may appear silvery?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

Pale areas on upper surfaces of the leaves and "downy" patches underneath are caused by Downy mildew. This fungus spreads quickly during cool, wet nights and warm, humid days. Leaves will wilt and die. Remove and destroy all affected plant parts and encourage good air circulation around plants by thining them. Water plants early in the morning to make sure they dry before nightfall.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Rust. Provide good air circulation around plants by thining them. Avoid making leaves wet when watering. All infected leaves should be removed. Spray leaves with sulfur early in the season to prevent rust or to treat mild infections.

White, powdery patches on the leaves are caused by a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Encourage good air circulation around the affected plants by thining them and any surrounding plants. Water plants from below to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. The appropriate fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.

Mottled leaves are caused by Mosaic Virus. There is no cure for infected plants. Remove and destroy all plants that have the symptoms of the mosaic virus. Mosaic virus is spread by aphids, so the best way of preventing the disease is to control these insects.

Black spots surrounded by yellow patches are caused by fungal disease - Black spot. Prune off and destroy all diseased leaves and clean up all fallen ones. If possible, avoid wetting the leaves when watering. For severe infections, the recommended control is weekly applications of sulfur.

Holes in leaves and flowers are caused by Japanese beetles, pests that can seriously damage foliage. Handpick adult beetles into a can of soapy water but make sure to wear gloves as Japanese beetles are blister beetles. Apply parasitic nematodes to the soil to limit beetle grub populations. Use pyrethrin powder or neem oil as a last resort.

These symptoms indicate thrips. Severely infected plant parts should be removed and destroyed. Control thrips by introducing lady beetles or lacewings, their natural predators. Insecticidal soap helps in severe infestations.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Various caterpillars attack Cherokee roses, and make holes in their leaves. You can handpick and destroy them if the infestation is not severe. BTK spray will help in controlling caterpillars.