I also have a no-spray garden _ I guess I better check Abe for rust--My garden has been neglected for the past couple of years----maybe there is some rust and I just missed it---Isn't he lovely !!!!
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Florence

I adore this rose. I say spray and keep him. I do not feel that spraying roses is hurting my environment and I spray everything sporadically, dont keep to a strict schedule, but I intend to have the roses I love. If it means spraying, so be it. The town where I live is about 35,000 and I seriously doubt if 8-10 people spray roses so dont feel I am doing any damage to the enviornment. I happen to love Abe and will always have this rose. But if he doesnt thrill you and you dont want to get rid of the rust, find a good home for him. He is a gorgeous rose!
Judith

I took a different approach.
When we stopped spraying, we stopped completely. If spraying our roses was going to trigger full on seizures in the dog we loved, that's it for spraying.

After a tough year or so for the roses to adjust, we learned that most of what we had DIDN'T rust.
The things that mildewed -- well -- they left pretty quickly.

Now, I've got roses that will rust in the fall. Old foliage rusting.
It's easy to remove that foliage. No problem.

But a few roses rusted -- heck, as soon as the leaves were open, they had specks of rust.
After a while, those roses just didn't look so good anymore.
I couldn't love the bloom enough to accept the disease.
So they're gone. And, y'know what?
I don't miss 'em at all.
Other loves took their places.

Jeri

Chance, I garden organically and don't spray and had an Abraham Darby in my old garden in Zone 9, CA. I encountered the same problem with this plant that you do: it was a rust magnet. For me it also didn't produce many flowers.

Even though I loved the blooms that I got from it, I planned to remove the bush, but we moved before it came to that.

I personally have the attitude that I want to find the roses that are reasonable healthy for me in my climate and stick to my principle of a no-spray garden. I am very sure that this is possible at least in California. There are so many roses out there that I love, much more than I can ever grow anyway, so why clinging to one that either is not happy to live in an environment that I am able to offer or is a very disease prone rose in the first place?!

Even though I admit that sometimes it is very hard to let go of a rose that I really like, but doesn't do well for me. In my case it is Zepherine Drouhin and Eden right now, sigh...

Thanks for the good advice. I have read each response carefully.

Florence, it's not fair for you to post that great photo of this rose that I love. It tilts me towards keeping it. I don't think in Pa., you have rust problems. It seems to a problem for some roses in the west. And Judith, I agree that he is a gorgeous rose and worth keeping, but the rust is so heavy on it's leaves that they look like they are painted orange underneath, yet it blooms like crazy despite the rust. Organicgardendreams, so you have had the same issues with Abraham and know how rusty he can get and you are right that there are many healthy roses out there that would stay rust-free. What Jeri wrote about spraying is scary, as some of those sprays are strong enough to do so much harm. Jeri, I hope your dog is over the health problems spraying caused him.

But yesterday, I found a non-toxic, organic spray for fungal diseases on roses, so what I've decided to do is spray Abe with this and see if it is effective. It is made from natural oils and soap. Don't know if it will work, but it's worth a try. It is such a handsome rose that I've decided to keep him and test this natural spray out.

I think that watering, feeding and pruning is enough work in the garden and I am resistant to spraying, but I will spray Abraham as the only rose in my garden that needs it. Most of my other roses are healthy enough most of the time. I don't mind a touch of rust or mildew every once in a while, but like I said Abe gets solid orange under the leaves. Still, this is an unforgettable rose with an old-fashioned look, so it will get exclusive treatment. I think I am spoiling him. The other roses may get jealous. If it works, he stays. If not, fare-thee-well. Thanks everyone! You can tell this problem is making me a tortured soul.

Chance

Chance if it's oil or soap, it's pretty harmless but be sure you watch the temperature.

Oil-based sprays are the very devil for leaf-damage, when temperatures rise.
I've seen damage in temps not much over 75 deg.
One thing I'd suggest is that you try giving Ol' Abe way more than his share of water.
We've grown many Austins, and we've observed that they're NOT drought-tolerant.
Rust problems are often increased where roses aren't getting enough water.
You might also consider hose-washing Abe, early in the morning, as often as possible.

Jeri

Jeri, what wonderful advice. I hadn't thought of the temperature burning the leaves. I'll have to do it early morning then. I will do as you say and give it more water. I only water it just enough. I try not to over do it and maybe that does contribute to rust problems. The Austin's do seem to need more of everything. I didn't know hose washing could help with rust. I'll give that a try too. A million thanks!

Chance

No -- Chance -- Don't use oil sprays AT ALL when the temps are going to be high.

The oil will remain on the leaves, you see, and they'll cook like chiles rellenos in a skilletfull of hot lard.

So, you can use it in the spring, when temps are cool, and in the cool fall months, but not at all in summer heat.
Even here, near the coast, I put oil sprays away when the weather heats up.

In hot weather, water may be your best weapon.
Water washes away fungal spores. It's not a cureall, but it's generally an "improve-all."

Jeri

Right then, Jeri. I'm glad you checked me on that. I will have to spray only in the cooler months then. I guess in hot weather I will use the hose down method you recommend and water it more often. Hope it works for Abe's sake. If the rust is reduced to a minor amount, I'd be ok with it. Just as long as it's not a rusty mess. Thanks again, Jeri for the advice.

Chance

You're quite welcome.
I myself can't abide looking at roses that are rusted all over.

Jeri