Roses come in such a variety of shapes, colors, and bloom sizes, it's hard to decide on which type to grow.

However, all roses require specific growing environment basics for healthy growth and beautiful blooms.

Lots of Sunlight
Roses require at least 6-8 hours of full-sun in order to grow their best. With partial shade, you will see fewer blooms produced.

Adequate Water
About one inch of water weekly will be enough to keep your roses alive and happy. You will probably need to water less in rainy climates, and more in dry climates.

Good Draining Soil
If you're just now transplanting a rose, or planting new stock, make sure your chosen area provides good drainage. To test this, fill the hole before planting with water and let it sit for a few hours. If the water drains in fewer than 2 or 3 hours, then your soil is full of sand and will drain to quickly. Water going down slowly within 2 to 4 hours is indication of good, organically built soil that will drain quickly enough to prevent root rot, but slowly enough to all moisture absorption.

Rose Food
Schultz Rose Plus 19-24-24 is a balanced, water soluble plant food that is specially designed to provide the nutrients all varieties need for outstanding beauty. Like all Schultz plant foods, Rose Plus is ultra pure (all possible impurites are removed, including chlorine), and is buffered so that you may feed your roses weekly or every time you water.

Inspection for Insects
Don't wait to let a few aphids or other pests turn into a nightmare for your roses. Apply Schultz Roses & Flowers natural pyrethrin insect spray at the first sign of a problem. Early morning application is best.

Pruning
Some classes of roses bloom only once, but most familiar types bloom all summer. Pruning to remove spent blooms and to encourage new ones is called "deadheading". Cut the stem at an angle about 1/4" above the next visible bud (angle away from the bud).

Wind protection
Plants that are exposed to harsh, drying winds will look battered and lose a lot of vital moisture. Roses thrive where they are somewhat protected from straight winds, winter and summer. Plant them a few feet apart so they can share humidity and protection.