Is the ‘Mister Lincoln’ Rose Disease Resistant?
The ‘Mister Lincoln’ rose, a hybrid tea rose introduced in 1965, does not have above-average disease resistance, particularly against common rose diseases like black spot, powdery mildew, and rust.
Disease Resistance
Black Spot
‘Mister Lincoln’ is not noted for having any significant resistance to black spot. It requires regular maintenance, including the use of copper sprays and fungicides like Daconil, especially in wetter and cooler weather conditions[2][5].
Powdery Mildew and Rust
Similar to black spot, ‘Mister Lincoln’ does not exhibit enhanced resistance to these diseases. Good air circulation, regular watering practices (avoiding overhead watering), and removing diseased leaves can help manage these issues but do not replace the need for fungicide applications in humid climates[5].
Susceptibility Factors
Environmental Conditions
The rose is more susceptible to diseases in climates with higher humidity and regular rainfall. Wet and cool weather exacerbates the risk of black spot, powdery mildew, and rust[2][5].
Care Practices
Proper care practices such as watering deeply and regularly (preferably in the mornings), avoiding overhead watering, and ensuring good air circulation can help reduce the incidence of diseases. However, these practices alone are not sufficient to prevent diseases in susceptible varieties like ‘Mister Lincoln'[5].
Comparisons to Other Rose Varieties
There are several hybrid tea rose varieties that offer better disease resistance compared to ‘Mister Lincoln’. For example:
– ‘Dark Desire’ has excellent disease resistance.
– ‘Firefighter’, ‘Ingrid Bergman’, ‘Lasting Love’, ‘Let Freedom Ring’, ‘Love’s Promise’, and ‘Proud Land’ all have good disease resistance[2].
Statistics on Disease Prevalence
In regions with high humidity and regular rainfall, such as the mid-Atlantic and St. Louis areas, disease pressures are higher. Even disease-resistant varieties may require some intervention during particularly wet and cool years[2][5].
Care Practices to Enhance Disease Resistance
- Planting in full sun and well-drained soil helps.
- Watering deeply but avoiding overhead watering.
- Ensuring good air circulation.
- Removing spent flowers to encourage rebloom.
- Removing and destroying diseased leaves.
- Applying summer mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool[5].
References
[1] Mister Lincoln Rose – Hybrid Tea – Exceptionally Fragrant
[2] Blackspot #789556 – Ask Extension
[5] Rosa ‘Mister Lincoln’ – Plant Finder – Missouri Botanical Garden
