Question
This is acutally a Jackson and Perkins plant my son gave me for Mother's Day. I can't seem to get it to bloom. It is planted in a full sun spot just at the edge of a river birch tree. A couple of the tree branches hang over but do not completely shade the roses.  I have read conflicting info. regarding pruning. I cut the plant back last year due to disease. This year, the plant is looking much healthier--but only 2 roses all year. Right now, it looks a bit "leggy" if that's possible with a climbing rose. Not a lot of leaves down low. Please tell me how to not only save this sentimental plant, but how to get it to produce the blooms that are on Jackson and Perkins' plant tag. Thanks!

Answer
Hi, Amy.....  First you must remember that Zephirine Drouhin is an antique climber, and , as with alot of antique bushes, its' bloom season is sporatic.  I have some antique roses that bloom only in Spring and little if not at all in the Fall.  
    What do you feed it?  How long have you had it?( you mention that he gave it to you for mother's day) And, what season(spring,summer,fall) was it planted in?(planted in the spring, i am assuming, it takes alot of energy to "ground" the root system, and surprizingly enough some bushes do much better if they have all winter to "get their feet in".)  All these things have an effect on the bloom period.  The tree roots could have something to do with it, but, it is more than likely one of the other (3) three things above.

    Feeding:  organics in late Fall or early Spring make a huge difference (mills magic, alfalfa meal, composted manure, etc.) " What you feed it" the rest of the season and boosting it sometimes with a liquid fertilizer (synthetic or organic),and even changing to another product between summer/fall, is important.  I watch my roses and see how they react....sort of like children, i guess.
    The leggy part could be a trait of that climber, but just to be sure, include a tablespoon of foliar food in your next application of fungicide (1 gallon)...what this does is feed throught the leaves and if there is to be "growth" down low, it will appear.

    I have over 200 bushes of my own and we sell 150 potted J&P rosebushes a year, plus a 10 variety collection of daylilies........point being, it takes time and experience to get to know the plants you love!  Be patient and try the tips above.  Good luck and God bless,
         j. williamson         www.angelique-roses.com