Even though I’m in a different zone than you, I also had three grafted Queen Elizabeth bushes that remained very vigorous for several seasons, but for several years I didn’t have time to devote to caring for them, so unfortunately those three died, I’ve planted another one, but it hasn’t got near the vigor of those other three. I don’t know how to answer your question, since our zones are different, but hopefully someone will see this and give you a satisfactory answer. QE is a great rose at its best IMHO.

I guess all situations differ of course, but here's a pic of my totally neglected for years Queen Elizabeth. Of all the roses I planted about 10 years ago then lost interest in, this one has totally never missed a beat all those years.

As far as I understand from what you wrote, is that you planted these roses last year in spring. And they were potted plants? I have found new potted plants will perform wonderfully there first year. They usually come in really nice soil with fertilizer. But depending on winter, they can be set right back even with protection. It can take another season or two to get them to be more vigorous & put on some size. And sometimes you can have a rose do great for multiple seasons and then one winter can really do it in. Hope they continue to grow for you and good luck!

Thank you for all the posts! Yes they were potted plants. have tried Queen Elizabeth before and found that she is not cane hardy in my zone. I think winter dial back is hurting her. I think if I lived in a slightly wiener state she would be more cane hardy. I’ll give them better winter protection and see if that helps. I'm Hopping they will do better next year. I’m posting pictures of what they look like now and what they looked like last year.

This is what they look like this year

this was last year

I'm not seeing any pictures. Not sure if it's on my end or not. The houzz app is sometimes wonky. Is anyone else seeing the pics?

I don’t see any either.

Sorry everyone for some reason houzz isn’t downloading my photo. I wanted to show you all how the first year I had really thick canes with really nice flowers and this year the growth is spindly With less flowers.

Just wait until the pictures show properly downloaded then press submit. Your rose may just have to grow larger roots to support growth above ground.