I'm in a very different zone than you, but in the early spring, I've had a green worm, immature form of some insect, eat some flower buds....it usually stays on one rose plant only. Later in the summer, I've had grasshoppers eat the buds as well.

I think it is bullheading too - I believe it is caused by cold weather.

Jackie

Yes. That's bull heading which can be caused by both too much cold or too much heat. Some varieties are more susceptible than others. Just disbud the deformed blooms. Next flush should be normall.

I believe periods of drought during the early formation of the bud can also cause this.

Thanks for your replies, wirosarian, Jackie, Patty, and SoFL rose. I'm surprised to hear that our temps could be cold enough to cause this. We have days in the 60's and nights in the 40's lately. But, I guess it does make sense, because if it was much colder, it wouldn't bloom at all. I never would have considered cold temperatures causing it. Some sort of bug was consistently ruining the buds on Irish Creme during the summer. I just assumed it was the same thing. I think you guys maybe correct. I'm looking more closely now, and I don't really see chewing from a pest. I'm glad I asked, because I never once thought it could be anything but pest damage. Thank you all so much! Lisa

Your welcome Lisa. I have a couple of newer roses that seem prone to bullheading. The worst weather for them is cool and damp. Not sure if damp plays any part. Just comes with the cool weather.

Love these forums! I have never heard of bullheading, but I think I have had buds do this. I just assumed it was insects. Thanks for sharing your wisdom and thanks for posting the question!

Yep! Learn something new here all the time! Lisa