Question – I planted 12 knock-out red rose bushes that I purchased in June of 2016 (last year) from Hewitts. They have done very well and have grown and bloomed nicely.I am now on my “second major” bloom of 2017 and although there are many blooms, they are not as “nicely” formed as there were in the early spring of 2017. Any suggestions? Once again I have plenty of blooms but they look a bit “funky”. I have trimmed the deadheads after the first bloom earlier this spring.Any guidance is greatly appreciated.
If the rose’s buds are bitten by insects, they can appear mis-shapened once they unfurl. Likewise, the flower condition can be effected by fungal diseases. Bi-weekly spraying with Neem Oil starting in spring when the leaves first appear. Obviously avoid spraying the plants with water…water just the soil but keep the plant as dry as possible.