Question
My rose bushes seem healthy and are growing but they do not produce flowers.  Some of them are growing long spinkly branches but no flowers.  In previous years, they've done well in this full sun location.  I fertilize them and make sure they have plenty of water.
Thank you for any advice you can give me.
Connie

Answer
1.The rose plant is not getting enough sun. Roses need at least 6 hours of direct sun a day to perform well.
2.The rose needs more water. Roses like at least an inch of water per week during the growing season.
3.The plant has been given too much fertilizer, especially Nitrogen. Too much fertilizer can either damage the plant or cause it to grow extra leaves and stems at the expense of blooms.
4.The rose is a new plant. Don't expect too much from a plant during its first year.
5.The rose is a once blooming variety. This means it will bloom only once a year in the late spring or early summer.
6.Soil pH is too low or too high. If the pH is not in the range of 6.0 to 6.8 (ideally 6.5) then nutrient uptake will be reduced, and the plant won't be getting the food it needs to produce flowers.
7.Not enough foliage. If the bush doesn't have adequate foliage, it can't produce the food it needs to make new flowers. Inadequate foliage may result from disease or too little, light watering causes roots to form very near the soil surface, making the plant more susceptible to summer 'baking' and winter freezes.
8.Immature bud used when grafting the rose.

Each bush needs about 4-5 gallons/week during the hot summer. That works out to I full bucket of water per rose.
Hope this helps. Lynnette