• Good soil and sun leads to healthy rose flowers.Rose Rose image by Jan Wowra, Frankfurt from Fotolia.com
  
  Roses come in countless colors and a range of varieties. Bush roses work well in nearly any garden, while climbing roses add a colorful garden backdrop when trained up a trellis. Regardless of the type, all roses require similar conditions in order to thrive and bloom profusely. Providing ideal conditions to the roses helps minimize maintenance needs and keeps the roses healthy.
  
  

Soil

• Roses thrive in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The ideal area provides a rich, loamy soil. The bed drains quickly after rain, so there is rarely standing water around the plant. Poor soils can be improved with the addition of organic matter such as peat or compost. Since roses remain in the same bed for many years, yearly compost and peat amending is necessary to keep the soil at its best. Fertilizer must also be added each year, even in the best soils, to help replenish the nutrient content in the soil.
  
  

Sun

• Rose plants require plenty of sunlight to bloom. While a plant in a shady area may produce ample foliage, blossoming rarely occurs unless the plant receives at least six, and preferably eight or more, hours of sunlight. The ideal location is away from structures and trees that provide shade, especially in the spring and summer months. Morning sun is more important than afternoon sun, so if a full sun area isn't available choose a place that receives at least full sun early in the day.
  
  

Air Circulation

• Roses are prone to several fungal diseases. These diseases tend to grow on wet foliage and the interior of the plant where air doesn't circulate freely. Proper pruning helps thin out the interior of the rose bush, which provides improved circulation. Bushes should also be spaced properly, as overcrowding leads to poor air circulation. Set bushes far enough away from fences and walls so that the air can circulate freely around all sides of the plant. While climbing roses must climb a support, the support must be set at least 1 inch from the wall or fence so the air circulates behind the rose vines.
  
  

Water

• While roses cannot tolerate standing water, they should not be left in dry soils. Proper watering keeps the plant healthy, so it produces both abundant foliage and flowers. Overly sandy soils drain too quickly, which prevents the roots from accessing the water before it all drains away. Planting in good soil, then providing one to two weekly waterings is sufficient for most rose bushes. Mulching over the roots of the rose bush also prevents drought damage, as the mulch prevents the moisture from evaporating out of the soil too quickly.