Climbing Rose Bush Died Back And Now Grows Without Blooming

Question From: E. Carson-Bird - Bonne Terre, Missouri, United States
Q: After my climbing rose bush completely died, it came back with lots of leaves and thorns but no blooms. It looks great, but no roses, so I am wondering if there is a graft that has come back that is different from the original bush. Also, this bush is on the north side of the house with other bushes (Joeseph's coats) which are finally doing very well. There is plenty of sun. I live in southern Missouri.

A: The root stock may have survived but the scion that was grafted to it died. North sides of houses do not get direct sun. Roses need a minimum six hours of direct sun. Even if your rose died back below the graft, the root stock should still bloom. The roses would be small single petaled blossoms. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy