Roses can be planted at any time from spring to fall and should be placed in an area that receives a minimum of 6 hours of sunshine.  In the summer weather, they keep their flower color better with some afternoon shade.  Leaves shaded in the morning remain wet longer from dew, which encourages disease problems, therefore morning sun and afternoon shade is the best for roses.  Roses should be kept away from large trees and shrub masses as they compete for food, moisture and sunlight.

Roses cannot tolerate wet feet so choose a well-drained area. In very moist areas, a raised bed can be built.

For general planting, dig a hole 6 inches wider and deeper than the container.  If your soil is heavy with clay or too light with sand than you need to work in organic matter such as sphagnum peat.  This will allow the heavy soil to breathe and increase the moisture retention of the light soil. Place enough of the soil mixture back into the hole so that the bud union is covered with one inch of soil.  Add additional soil to fill in remaining sides of the hole.  Water thoroughly.

Water as necessary, making sure the foliage has time to dry off before evening to prevent disease called black spot.

Insect and disease sprays can be used in spring, fall or winter on branches, soil and mulch underneath your roses to rid them of insect's eggs and fungus disease. Most sprays are used at intervals of 7 to 10 days through the fall.  More frequent applications may be necessary during periods of heavy rain or if you are using an overhead sprinkler.  Fungus is common during periods of warm days and cool nights with high humidity. 

Powdery Mildew- Signs to look for are leaves that curl and gray mold on leaves, stems and buds.  Spray with Orthenex or Bonomyl at first sign of problem covering all plant surfaces thoroughly.  Continue at 7 to 10 day intervals until hot weather ends.

Rust- Signs to look for are bright orange deposits on the undersides of leaves.  Remove and destroy infected leaves and spray with fungicide.

Pruning- All major pruning should begin in spring when roses are dormant and the danger of severe weather has past.  Pruning cuts should be made 1/4 inch above a healthy bud going in the same directions as the bud at a 45% angle. Prune canes back to live wood.  Pruning should stop around August 15th to allow the final flowers to form seedpods, which slows down growth and hardens plants off for the winter.

Winter Protection- Here are a few ways to winter protect your rose - Soil mounds and other coverings should be used just before ground freezes hard in November. A cylinder of wire mesh will hold the soil and insulation in place during wind and rain.  You can tie the canes together and mound soil 12" or more over the canes. Cover the soil with evergreen boughs or straw to keep the mound frozen or you can purchase a Styrofoam rose cone.  Make sure to use a rock or brick to hold it down.