Will a Newly Purchased Rose Bush Bloom the First Year?

General Rose Care

• Basic rose care begins with planting roses in full sun -- they should receive at least six hours of sunlight per day -- in well-prepared, well-drained garden soil enriched with well-rotted manure and compost. Remove spent flowers cleanly, using sharp hand pruners or garden snips. Plants should receive at least 1 inch of water per week, either from rain or irrigation; water deeply when you do water. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of shredded leaves, dried grass clippings or pine straw to conserve moisture, maintain even soil temperatures and suppress weeds. Prune the plants every year, just as new growth begins after dormancy, to encourage healthy plants.

First-Year Rose Care

• Though first-year rose bushes do bloom, these first flowers may not be "true" to the size, color, fragrance or even form of blossoms the mature plant will produce. Do not over water or over fertilize to encourage more bigger or better blooms. First-year roses primarily need time to mature. Allow young bushes to flower fully but don't cut too many flowers, which will also remove leaves the plant needs for photosynthesis and full food production. Prune first-year plants lightly too, to allow them to put more energy into establishing strong roots. After a year or two of growth you can steadily start to shape the bush for flower production.

Cutting Roses

• Many gardeners don't realize that there's a correct way to cut roses for bouquets. Cutting roses correctly is even more important for first-year roses, so more leaves remain on the plant to produce food for root and plant growth. According to Alabama Cooperative Extension, on mature rose bushes you should cut rose buds or opening rose blossoms below the third true rose leaf, meaning the third leaf below the bloom that has five or more leaflets. Cut roses higher on first-year plants, at or near the first true leaf.

Fertilize Appropriately

• Many new rose growers tend to over fertilize, especially new plants. While it's true that roses are heavy feeders, too much fertilizer can burn tender young roots -- setting plants back rather than helping them. In addition to incorporating well-rotted manure into the soil at planting, side dress with composted manure for good long-term rose nutrition. Otherwise choose fertilizers with low nitrogen and relatively high phosphorous such as 4-8-4, 4-8-6, 5-10-5 or similar chemical ratios of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Fertilize once in spring and again in mid-summer. Avoid fertilizing after July, so new vegetation can harden off before winter arrives.