This is Baby Darling's first year in my garden. The foliage and canes have grown, but absolutely no blooms--nada, nothing! Is this common for this climber? It's very healthy looking and I'll certainly keep it in my garden for the next season, but just wondering if anyone else has any experience with this rose and can help me understand its lack of blooms. I live in Zone 9A.
This is common for many roses, especially climbers. Roses grow their roots first, then they put energy into top growth. Your rose is gettings its feet established and will become a wonderful plant in your garden. 'Baby Darling' is one of the best garden plants I have grown.
Lyn, you were absolutely right. The second year in our garden, Baby Darling has produced many blooms. With its delicate, lush foliage and pink petals, it has begun to cover the garage wall beautifully, just as I had hoped. I selected this climber because it is nearly thornless so I could position it close to a door without worrying about getting puncture wounds. Baby Darling surprised me, too, with a gentle sweet fragrance so I'm quite pleased, as you said I would be. Thx! Donna