Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Julia Child

Julia Child is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of applying rose-specific granular fertiliser in early spring in the early stages and paid for it. aphid infestations on new growth also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a dedicated rose bed with good air circulation which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. strong disease-resistant root stock is visible but muted. peak flowering through midsummer gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.