Rose flowers not fully opening.

Hi, I am new to this forum and don't know if this has been asked before, But does anyone know why for the last few years a 20 year old rose should have lots of flowers that do not open fully but just seem to rot just before opening? The plant is in a clay (but not heavy) soil and is fed with manure pellets.

 

Hi Simon,

Have you had a lot of rain lately ?

A lot of Roses, especially Hybrid Teas ( HT's ), are affected by rain and then they don't open. This is called " balling ".

 

Thanks for your reply, We haven't had a great deal of rain where I am in the south west, but May be I have given them too much water, I must say however that I have another 10 roses that flower normally.

 

I'll get @wiseowl ,

To come and see if he can help. He's the Gardeners Corner expert on owt to do with Roses

 

Thankyou for your replies, i will remove the offending buds that have not opened fully and see how it gets on.

 

Thanks for your advice, It's more likely to have happened due to my lack of knowledge watering the plants than Thrips as I haven't noticed any wildlife living on my roses.