Re: Lack of Blooms

**P*@aol.com**

Margot, A few reasons why roses don't bloom, or why some bloom more than 
others are: amount of sunlight received, soil conditions, feeding schedule, 
climate factors etc. Also many roses are nonremontant, and aren't genetically 
built to repeat bloom, but you must know all of this already. My experience 
for the last six years or so has been that Heirloom roses are extremely slow 
to "take off." This isn't so much a criticism as plain fact. I've done the 
same kind of experimenting as you, moving them to more optimum positions, 
redigging planting holes to 3x3'...I've amended the soil to near perfection 
for these roses and the rate of growth (and bloom) is always the same: SLOW!    
                                                                    I believe 
the primary reason for this is because Heirloom ships baby roses, baby as in 
fairly new to the world. For those of us who prefer roses on their own roots, 
and I am one, Heirloom probably has one of the best selection offered, 
especially as it is one of the few suppliers of "own root" David Austin 
roses. The disadvantage, I think, is that these are very young greenhouse 
grown roses (though some may argue that the advantage is the ability to order 
plants year-round). There is a huge demand for antique "own-root" roses and 
rather than having serious maturing time, the little darlings are placed in 
homes at a very tender age.                                                     
                                                                I can tell 
you that most of the Heirloom roses that I bought two and three years ago 
have just this season started to look like something, particularly the 
climbers which are slow to take hold anyway. The David Austin roses seemed to 
take forever to get into full swing, but those that made it are exceptionally 
beautiful. When I root roses, I keep them in a container for several seasons 
or more, so that when I plant them, they have developed a substantial root 
system to rely upon in adjusting to their new home. Even then, some of these 
roses might not bloom their heads off right off the bat, but they do catch up 
with the established roses very quickly.                                        
                                                For the last few years, I 
have repotted my Heirloom roses upon arrival and I keep them watered and 
fertilized. This seems to be the only answer for me, as I lost too many of 
them putting them in as babies. It's a bit of a pain, especially if you have 
the site ready and a grand plan in mind, but it's the best suggestion I can 
offer. I tried spring versus fall planting and it didn't change the fact that 
the little guys simply aren't ready to go it alone.                             
                                Zepherine Drouhin has never bloomed all 
summer for me (I have four of them all in different conditions). She always 
put on a heavy spring show after which the blooms are sparse --though more 
frequent with ample water-- until fall when another flush of blooms comes in. 
                                                                            
Bonica is a fairly profuse bloomer.  Have you taken a soil test for pH? Many 
nurseries have what you need to send soil samples in to your Extension 
Service (more comprehensive and reliable than home tests). Test results are 
extremely helpful for whatever you're growing. Roses perform at their best in 
a pH of 6.5-6.7.                                                                
    You might want to experiment with various fertilizers. I used to make my 
own but in the last year I've alternated an organic one with a chemical one; 
slow-release/rapid-release. I actually noticed an increase in blooms so 
perhaps mine needed a change of diet. If you've got too much nitrogen in your 
fertilizer, it will result in heavier foliage (more susceptible to disease) 
at the expense of flower production. You mentioned Epsom salts which I find 
very effective applied monthly in a 50/50 ratio with sugar.     I hope this 
is somewhat helpful. Rose growers are full of advice so hopefully you'll have 
an enormous increase in blooms this time next year! If you're interested in 
some other sources for "own root" roses, let me know and I'll e-mail them.      
                                                                                
        Holly zone 7

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