Question
We live in zone 8, central California but in the foothills.  This fall my rose has "buds" coming from the centers of each flower. Not all flowers have them and I have not had this happen before.. The buds never really open making me think it is just vegetative growth. What can cause this? Thanks, Jackie

Answer
What you have described is vegetation growth or the botany term is proliferation. Rose experts are not certain exactly what causes it but weather does play a part plus hormones. Some roses are genetic prone to this  and will always do it if conditions are right.  There really is nothing you can do to stop or help it.  It is most prominent in the older garden roses such as the Gallicas and some do it faithfully every year. It is just an ugly looking condition and will not effect the health or vigour of the rose in any way. Simply cut the flower off when it happens. It is probably our weird weather conditions that is encouraging proliferation. Hope this helps.