Rose Bush That Does Not Flower

Season

• Rosebushes produce new growth in the form of canes, foliage and blooms in spring and summer. Roses may bloom continuously through the summer or in blooming phases called flushes. Some varieties bloom only once during the season. All bushes stop blooming when the weather cools. They enter dormancy in winter and reawaken in spring.

Site and Space

• Rosebushes require full sunshine and good air circulation to produce their blooms. They grow leggy and sparse in shade, with small blooms. They may not bloom at all if they don't get enough sun. Plant rosebushes in sites with full sun, good air movement and quick year-round drainage for best growth and blooming.

Soil

• Roses need adequate nutrition for growth and blooming. Amend natural garden soil before planting with bagged garden soil and organic compost for nutrition, drainage and consistency, and use bone meal at planting to encourage rooting. Give roses new compost amendments every spring to maintain soil quality.

Fertilizer, Water, Mulch

• Roses are both hungry and thirsty, part of the reason they are high-maintenance plants in the garden. Give them rose-specific fertilizer in spring at first growth to encourage blooming. Feed the bushes again after every flower flush, or use a water-soluble plant food every week. Stimulate nonblooming roses with another helping of fertilizer, per manufacturer's directions, or use a bloom-stimulating fertilizer. Give roses 1 to 2 inches of water every week for lush foliage and healthy blooming. All-American Rose Selections, a nonprofit association, recommends using 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch to keep rose soil moist and warm for best growth.

Pruning

• Pruning a rosebush encourages new growth that will lead to blooms. Established, modern roses like hybrid teas should be pruned in late winter or early spring, and any dead canes removed. During the growing season, remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Make the cut above a leaflet with five leaves on a sturdy cane. Consistent pruning leads to larger, healthier bushes and better blooming habits.