I've never had a Bourbon rose do anything - much less bloom for me in my Jacksonville, FL (9b) garden. This rose tends to sulk in the summer. It really prefers cooler climates. She is also susceptible to black spot here and needs very rich, well drained soil with lots of water and afternoon shade to be at its best most of the year. I have an own root rose that's planted on an east facing brick wall. Below average thorns! Blooms essentially only once in spring and very stingy with her blooms though the rest growing season. But, when she does bloom, she's a show stopper of clear pink, almost translucent petals with a rich, strong perfume and incredible boom form. I will always have this rose in my garden despite the care she takes and the single bloom period.