When I took the Master Gardener courses, I was given the same information that NHBabs describes above.and it also fits with my own experience. So I focus my fertilization efforts on roses, annuals and veggies.

Yes, I didn’t mention the veggies or annuals because PvP asked specifically about woodies, but they often do need additional nutrients because they put on so much growth in such a short time. And potted plants typically need added fertilizers because potting mixes typically have few nutrients or soil dwellers like microbes and bugs to break down the organic matter.

I am seeing growth on all roses and one clematis. I was thinking of a bit of epsom salts for both types-later I will give the roses Bayer All in One. With regard to the bushes, a small amount of 10-10-10 might be ok -- that's about it for the bushes. Thanks.

Unless your soil is low on magnesium, the epsom salts won’t be of help since it is magnesium sulfate. A soil test will tell you if magnesium is lacking in your soil. Some alfalfa meal or alfalfa pellets without salt will be best for the clematis and likely the roses. It has hormones that encourage new stem growth.

ok. thanks for that. I'll give the alfalfa meal a try.

You can also use rose fertilizer on the roses and clematis both. Most other plants don’t particularly need it in most places unless you have really sandy soil.

Every year, I add a layer of compost and alfalfa meal to the base of my roses in the spring. Sometimes I might add another dose of alfalfa meal after the first flush of bloom ends and another is getting ready to bloom. I also use Seaweed/Fish Emulsion Fertilizer in liquid form and mix it half strength and use it on my main perennial/annual/veggie bed and any pots of annuals I have outside. Roses would be included.