Whether you are planting roses in the spring or fall, these tips will help you get your bushes ready for blooming season.

The first step is to select a site that gets at least 6-8 hours of sun a day. Some varieties require less sun, so check with your local nursery for their recommendations.

Planting

Roses are among the most beautiful and traditional flowers you can plant in your garden. They require a sunny spot and good drainage.

It is important to plant rose bushes early in the season, so they can get established before the intense heat of summer arrives. This gives them more time to make roots before blooming, and also allows them to be properly acclimatized to their new site.

Prepare your soil before planting by digging a hole that is slightly wider and equally deep as the root ball of the rose. If the quality of the soil is poor, add a mixture of well-rotted farmyard manure or organic matter to the bottom of the hole before putting the bare root rose in.

Place the bare root rose in the hole, tamping gently to remove any air pockets. Position the bud union (where branches start) at ground level in mild climates, and 2 to 3 inches below the surface for colder areas.

Pruning

If you want to get the most out of your rose bushes, pruning is an essential part of your garden maintenance routine. Pruning can be done to reduce the size of a shrub, deadhead spent blooms or shape it to suit your garden design.

Before you prune a rose, inspect it for new growth or buds. If you see tiny swells of new growth that are redder in color, it’s ready to be cut back.

Depending on your rose variety, pruning can be done any time of year. It’s up to you to choose the right timing and follow the appropriate guidelines for your specific climate.

For most rose varieties, major pruning is best done in early spring. This can be as early as mid February in some parts of the country, but it depends on your region’s hardiness zone.

Fertilizing

Rose bushes are heavy feeders, and when their soil doesn’t have all the nutrients it needs to power blooms, flowers and leaves, they can quickly run out of steam. A deficiency of nutrients can also have an impact on a rose’s ability to fight off pests and diseases, making them more susceptible to damage.

Fortunately, the right fertilizer can give your rose bushes what they need. It can help them grow healthy and bloom more often, too!

Fertilizer is available in a variety of forms including slow-release, granular and liquid. Organic fertilizers are better for the environment and enrich the soil with different nutrients.

Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are key nutrients roses need to grow strong and flower well. The best rose fertilizers will provide these three nutrients in a balanced ratio.

Watering

Rose bushes require a lot of water, if not provided with the right amount they will wilt, drop leaves, grow smaller leaves or stop blooming altogether. This is due to a lack of oxygen being given to the roots.

Ideally your roses should have a good soak of 2 gallons of water once per week for established bushes and once or twice a week for new bare root rose plants. This will depend on your soil type and drainage.

It is best to water early in the morning or before the sun comes up, this helps to dry off the rose foliage and reduces the chance of pests like powdery mildew or blackspot.

Alternatively, drip irrigation systems and underground sprinklers are both effective ways to water your roses. They can be easily installed in your garden and will allow the water to be released directly to your rose bushes without runoff.