Fortunately, they have exploded in the last month and now stand nearly as tall as they did when I cut them back. One unfortunate side effect of this quick growth was a corresponding explosion of aphids. I have never seen aphids take over a plant in the way they attacked the juicy new growth on the roses. Appalled, I quickly turned to the Internet to find a remedy. You can, of course, use all forms of nasty insecticides and poisons, but I am not raising roses for show or for sale so that seemed a bit extreme.
Insecticidal soap is the next level of control.
This only kills insects it actually touches. This helps to save the beneficial insects, those that eat aphids. I was about to go this route when I noticed dozens of ladybugs on my morning stroll through the garden. O verall, the roses seem to be standing up to the attack rather well. As the buds age they must get less appetizing to the aphids.