Why Won't My Climbing Rose Bush Bloom?

Some climbing roses bloom only on second-year stems. A complete lack of bloom suggests you may be losing or removing stems before they reach blooming age. In cold climates, you may need to remove the climber from its trellis over winter. Lay stems down, cover with soil, and mulch to permit survival and bloom the following year. Avoid early-season pruning of climbing roses that normally develop just one flush of bloom, except for removal of weak or diseased canes and canes that have already bloomed. Pruning out strong, healthy first-year canes removes next year's potential blooms on these varieties.

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