Is Felicia a band or a grafted rose? If it's a band it is probably busy putting on roots. With bands expect 1st year sleep, 2nd year creep and 3rd year leap. I've found that most of my roses become less bothered by bs as they mature.

I don't grow New Dawn so can't speak to those questions.

Angela, almost no climbing rose I know of blooms a lot until it is fully established. If your New Dawn is sending out new canes, that sounds like you're doing a good job of growing it, and it will do a good job of blooming for you in the future. Usually 3 years is what it takes for Climbers to get established fully.

--Ron

I don't want to sound as though I'm a spoil sport, but I do want to suggest that there may be some New Dawns out there that bloom much more than others. Some "New Dawns" may actually be Dr. van Fleets (the nearly identical once bloomer). So, if, after a few years, and ND is still NOT blooming, consider this little bit of tid.

Robert

I have grown New Dawn in different gardens over the years. The first time, I planted one each side of a gateway. The one on the right took off straight away. The one on the left took four years to catch up. There was no differance in soil, sun or shade.
In my last garden, I planted one on a pergola. It took three years to reach four foot. I then planted another on the next pergola post. That one was up and across the top of the pergola, and flowering abundantly in its first year!!!
I can only think that some have more vigour than others.
Why this should be I do not know. None of the plants looked weaker than the others. Sorry this doesn't help you much,but if yours has put out some strong canes, don't worry. Its probably doing what all new climbing roses should do, putting its energy into growth before flowering.

Three years from now your 'New Dawn' will be an awe inspiring sight, I expect. Patience :-)

Angela, I have Felicia and Prosperity growing side by side. I complained to Greg at Vintage that Prosperity was .. well prospering and Felicia was sulking. He told me that Felicia was a slow grower and he was right. But, it was so worth it. She is a fabulous rose. She is delicate, fragrant and puts out at least three flushes per year. I think Hybrid Musks rock.

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Carol

Sorry about the slow response. Thank you all so much, this really does help.

I'll just leave New Dawn alone for now, which means less work for me this year. The thought of moving a rose bush doesn't sound like much fun at all. I am really seeing the benefit of 'thornless' or 'very little thorns'. I never paid much attention to that when I was choosing roses, but I am going to in the future.

I really wanted Felicia to climb a bit and drape over the porch rail eventually. Now I am wondering what the heck I was thinking. She doesn't sound right for that at all. It was my first year with roses and despite all of my research, I obviously got sidetracked somewhere. If I move her, am I going to interrupt any progress she has made so far? I really want a climber where she is, just not one that is too vigorous. A gentle climber. : )

Much to learn!
Angela