- 1). Choose a planting site with a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight, good air circulation, well-draining soil and protection from high winds. Ideal planting sites will also be away from trees, so your roses won’t have to compete for water and nutrients. Plant your roses with 3 feet between each bush and 5 feet between climbing roses.
- 2). Fertilize with a 5-10-10 mix in the spring after you see 4 to 6 inches of new growth. Use 2 lbs. of fertilizer for every 100 square feet of planting area.
- 3). Water deeply and thoroughly as needed until your plants are well established.
- 4). Fertilize again in June if the leaves are yellowing.
- 5). Provide winter protection after the first frost. Make a mound of well-draining soil or compost 10 to 12 inches tall around the base of the rose bush. Obtain the soil or compost from outside of the planting area. Cover the mound with straw, leaves or evergreen branches after the mound has frozen.
- 6). Remove the mound after all danger of freezing weather has passed, taking care not to damage the rose bush.
- 7). Prune the rose bush. Cut out any new growth that is weak or spindly, leaving at least 2 to 3 vigorous canes. Cut back all canes below any winter damage.
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