Basic Rose Care

Start your roses off right by making sure you grow them in a good spot. Roses do best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun a day) and well-drained soil that's rich in organic matter.

If your soil has lots of sand or clay, it's helpful to add organic matter, such as compost, before planting them.

Note: There are no roses that do well in full shade, but some varieties tolerate partial shade better than others. If you grow your roses in too much shade, they won't flower as much and they'll be more likely to suffer from pest and disease problems.

Roses are kind of like people: Each has its own personality. That means you can't expect every rose to perform the same. Select roses that are best adapted for your climate. If you're in the North, it may mean extra-hardy shrub roses; if you're in the South, it probably means roses that don't mind hot, humid summers.

Aren't sure what roses do best where you live? Check with the staff at your local garden center or nursery, your local cooperative extension office, or a local chapter of the Canadian or American Rose Society.