Thanks for reaching out! Roses can definitely be a bit tricky.

Spring pruning

Spring is the best time for your main pruning. Start by removing any dead wood. Then lightly shape the plant by trimming back the tallest canes to keep things even. Based on your photos, I would avoid heavy pruning and just take a few inches off to clean up the shape. When you make cuts, aim for about 1/4 inch above an outward-facing bud at a 45° angle. This encourages the plant to grow outward and keeps it from getting too dense.

Rose that grew tall but didn’t bloom

There are several possible reasons for lots of growth but no flowers. Weather stress, too much shade, or excess fertilizer can all push leafy growth at the expense of blooms. Pruning timing and intensity also matter: too much, too little, or pruning at the wrong time can reduce flowering. Winter injury and pesticide exposure can contribute as well. It’s also worth noting that some rose varieties naturally bloom only once per season.

Since it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause from one year, I’d focus on a few key things going forward:

- Make sure the plant is in full sun

- Go easy on fertilizer

- Protect it from winter damage

Roses can be especially sensitive to winter injury, so in late fall it helps to mound soil and mulch around the base for protection.

If the plant still doesn’t bloom this season, identifying the specific type of rose can be helpful, since bloom habits vary quite a bit between varieties.

Helpful Extension resources:

https://extension.umd.edu/resource/rose-identify-and-manage-problems/

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/how-overwinter-roses

Hope this helps!

Victoria

University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener