Question
Edward,

About 3 years ago my father brought me several rose of sharon from his garden in New Jersey to my home in Northern Illinois, These plants have been growing in my families landscapes for over 100 years, all from the original stock plants in upstate New York.

The very small plants at the time have thrived growth wise, however I have noticed that not all of the flowerbuds bloom, and the tree tends to get very heavy with buds in the late fall.

Is this a problem? Is there anything that can be done to encourage more blooming or earlier blooming in the season?

Your help and suggestions are appreciated.

Answer
Glenn,

If you are applying any nitrogen fertilizer, I would recommend lowering the nitrogen content. High amounts of nitrogen will promote growth but will retard flowering.

It is highly likely that the plants have not yet adjusted to the different climate that they were used to.

One method that I have used in the past that would guarantee flowering would be a root pruning in the spring. Root pruning would entail spading the soil around the plant (but do not dig) usually about 1 to 1.5 feet from the trunk (or closer, depending on the size).

Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen