Question
I discovered two carpet rose bushes in bad shape at my new residence. Removed all the weeds, pruned off the dead branches, fertilized and have been watering a lot due to especially hot weather this summer, in central Pennsylvania.  They came back beautifully! BUT the NEW growth is stunted, bushy and producing tiny roses,unlike the branches that are long with normal size blooms.  Am I babying them too much? Too much water? Too much trimming? Thank you for your help. Awaiting your reply.  Amy

Answer
It sounds from your description, that there is something going on below the soil. I think at some point in time before you got the garden, it could have been damaged in the center. If the leaves are not the same then it is reverting to the under stock and the canes should be pulled off to cause a wound so there are no more growth. Cutting them off will just activate more. However if none is this is the problem I would still cut the poor growth out because something is definitely wrong with it and it has nothing to do with how you treated the rose bush. Hope this helps.