Why Climbing Roses Don't Bloom for Years and How to Encourage Flowers

Why Climbing Roses Don't Bloom for Years and How to Encourage Flowers

Climbers like 'Blue Violet' spend the first 3-5 years producing vegetative growth (canes) before flowering. Fertilizing monthly only fuels more foliage.

Strategy

• Stop all fertilizing immediately.
• Do not fertilize next spring until flower buds appear.
• Ensure the plant is healthy—vigorous growth means it's happy.

Some climbers take up to five years to bloom; patience and reduced nitrogen will shift energy to flower production.