Why Your Climbing Rose 'Etoile de Hollande' Isn't Blooming Yet

A gardener planted two climbing roses last November: 'That's Jazz' blooms well, but 'Etoile de Hollande' produces only canes, no flowers. Both receive identical care.

Understanding Climber Types

There's a crucial difference between roses bred as climbers and those that sported (mutated) from bush forms. Bred climbers flower readily in their first year. Sported climbers like 'Etoile de Hollande' are extremely vigorous—they channel all energy into cane growth for several years before flowering heavily.

What to Expect

'Etoile de Hollande' may take 3-4 years to bloom well. This is normal behavior, not a problem. The rose is building a massive framework; flowering requires energy the plant currently directs toward growth. Once established, it rewards with intensely fragrant blooms.

Care Advice

• Don't over-fertilize—excess nitrogen delays flowering further.
• Train canes horizontally to encourage lateral flowering shoots.
• Be patient; the wait is worth it for this classic, powerfully scented climber.