Question
I just move my 6 rose bushes to and elevated planter.  I thought I prepared the soil as I used potting soil with rose fertilizer.  Prior to transplant I trimmed them back a lot.  My roses have now com back but they look very straggly and deformed.  None of the blooms are full the petals and shape is deformed.
What could be causing this?  Could it be, the planter is not getting enough drainage or too much water?   I'm at a loss!  I live in South Florida.

Answer
What you describe is certainly unusual but when a rose is deformed or growing in a strange way, when it used to be normal, always suggests that it is the roots that are causing the problem. It was a good idea to use potting soil as it is has better drainage. However if the fertilizer you used was ordinary fertilizer then it could have burned the feeder roots. Too much water makes the leaves go yellow. Cutting a rose bush back is another good idea when it is transplanted. If the roses are hybrid teas then they can be pruned back to about 12 inches. If they are floribundas they can go down to 18 inches and all modern shrubs can go back by a third without causing any problems in regards to growth. The last reason for your problem could also be an insect which is damaging the new flower buds so it causes the flowers to be deformed. I would take a piece of white paper and tap the flower over it and see if you can find any insects. If you do then any rose insecticide will solve that problem for you. I would give your roses time as all roses go under stress when moved. It may only be just that. Hope this helps.