Roses are at the heart of many British gardens, and to green-thumbed homeowners, they are a prized possession. That’s why it can be so frustrating to see vibrant blooms lose their beauty to black spot disease.
Diplocarpon rosae, is a common issue caused by the fungus that leads to unsightly black spots on leaves, followed by yellowing and premature drop. For many, it happens yearly, leaving the gardener feeling like they don’t know how to solve the issue. While chemical treatments and pruning techniques have been widely recommended, one simple and natural method is gaining popularity online.
It’s easy to implement, environmentally friendly, and backed by a growing number of home gardeners.
Taking to TikTok, Sophie, who shares gardening tips under the username @lookinsidemygarden, revealed a remarkably straightforward way to protect rose plants.
She explained: “When the salvia warms up, they produce sulphur, which is a natural fungicide.”
According to Sophie, simply underplanting roses with salvia can shield them from the effects of black spot.
“Last year, all of my roses were underplanted with salvia, and I didn’t have any black spots,” she said.
Underplanting is the practice of planting smaller plants, often low-growing perennials, beneath larger trees or shrubs.
Not only is it effective, but salvia is also a hardy plant in its own right that looks good among other blooms.
Although many salvias will survive the winter, sometimes they don’t make it, but the good news is it’s really easy to take cuttings from salvia so that you will never be without them,” Sophie added.
These cuttings can be overwintered in a greenhouse, ensuring a year-round supply, and when spring arrives, gardeners can readily propagate more, ensuring consistent protection for their roses.
Curious followers sought more detail in the video’s comments, with one asking: “Does it matter which Salvia?” Sophie clarified: “It’s the greggii or microphylla.”
The gardening community responded enthusiastically, with one user stating: “I may declare my everlasting love for this tip, or just say thank you.”
Another added: “I love roses, but whatever I try, two or three always have black spot. Probably have to wait for next year now, but thank you so much, in anticipation.”
