Roses embody timeless beauty and make a statement in your landscaping. While it’s natural for them to go out of bloom during winter, a lack of blooms at any other time could indicate gardening problems that need to be addressed. Below are some of the main causes of roses that aren’t blooming. 

What Can Cause Rose Bushes to Stop Blooming?

1. Lack of Nutrients

Nutrient deficiency can lead to stunted growth and fewer or smaller blooms. You should use a fertilizer specifically formulated for roses, and follow the directions on the package exactly. When applying fertilizer, spread it in a circle around the bush, several inches away from the trunk, and water it so that the nutrients seep into the soil. Fertilize your bushes from spring through the end of summer, stopping at least a month before the first frost, so new growth doesn’t develop in winter.

2. Poor Environment

As with all gardening, the environment the bushes are grown in is crucial to their health. They need a moderate pH level from 6.0-7.0, with a loamy consistency that isn’t too sandy or full of clay. On average, they require 6 hours of direct sunlight, and they don’t do well in hot, arid winds, which pull moisture from the plant. If your bushes aren’t thriving, test the soil pH, make sure they aren’t in the shade all day, and try to block wind from them.

3. Improper Pruning

Pruning and trimming should be done either after flowering for traditional roses or towards the end of winter for modern rose types. Pruning at the wrong time can remove flowering material, limiting the number of buds you have. Remove any dead wood and thin or weak branches from the bush to allow nutrients to be used more efficiently by the plant, feeding stronger, healthier growths.

4. Insect Infestation

Aphids, beetles, mites, certain slugs, and some bees can eat away at your roses, interfering with nutrient distribution. Look for visible bugs, yellowed or curling leaves, misshapen blooms, mold, and holes in leaves. If pests are present, your local gardening center can offer guidance on treating them, such as with insecticides. Prevent future problems by clearing dead leaves and branches from around the bushes and pruning properly.

If you need gardening supplies to help your roses flourish, visit Lakeview Garden Center & Landscaping in Fairfield, OH. For over 30 years, they’ve provided lawn care supplies and a wide array of plants for sale, including hard-to-find varieties. Their experienced staff will help find solutions to your problems, and they offer landscaping designs and features. Learn more about their inventory online, and call (513) 829-6624 to inquire about plants for sale.