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Plant roses where they receive at least 5 to 6 hours of full sun daily. Roses grown in weak sun may not die at once but weaken gradually.
Soil:
Plant roses in rich, well-draining soil. Mix organic matter, such as compost or bumper crop, into excavated soil; you’ll use it to backfill the planting hole.
Watering:
Water newly planted roses 2 to 3 times per week until established. Afterward, give them a deep watering once a week or, if extremely warm, twice a week.
Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and prevent diseases. Well-watered roses are more disease resistant, as water deprivation stresses plants and makes them susceptible to disease and pests. If that is not an option, water early in the day, making sure the rose has time to dry out before nightfall. Water well before and after feeding or treating with anything.
Roses love water—but don’t drown them. They don’t like to sit in water and will die if the soil is too wet in winter. The ideal soil is rich and loose, with good drainage. One of the worst mistakes you can make is not to provide adequate drainage.
Mulching:
The use of mulch around roses to help retain soil moisture is a practice that is highly encouraged. Mulch will also help keep soils cool and help retard weed growth. Wood chips, straw, or dry grass clippings make good mulches. More decorative materials, such as shredded hardwood, can also be used. Mulches should be applied about 2-3 inches deep and replaced as needed. Because organic mulches tend to bind up nitrogen as they decompose, additional fertilizer may be necessary to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Leave an un-mulched area about 6″ in radius around the plant.
Fertilizer:
Roses, in general, are heavy feeders. They love to eat, which positively affects their health. Did you know that a healthy rose produces more blooms and is better equipped to ward off pathogens too? Roses can survive without being fertilized, but they struggle.
Look for a balanced, high-quality rose fertilizer that includes macronutrients and micronutrients. We recommend Espoma Rose Tone or Master Nursery Bud & Bloom. Roses make no distinction between the type of fertilizer they receive as long as the nutrients are available.