There are four considerations to keep in mind when you are choosing a spot in the garden to plant a rose; exposure to sun
and to wind, type of soil, and neighboring plants.
Sun – Roses should receive at least six hours of full sun a day. In areas with intense summer heat, they will appreciate
some shade in the afternoon when the sun is hottest. A rose will grow in shade, but it will be spindly and unattractive, and
it will produce fewer blossoms. The plant’s susceptibility to rust and powdery mildew also increases in shade.
Wind – Don’s plant roses in exposed locations where they will be subjected to prevailing strong winds. Wind damages
blossoms and causes rapid evaporation of moisture from the foliage, making it necessary to water the plants more often.
Consider planting trees or shrubs to shield your roses if you have a windy site.
Soil – Roses do best in slightly acid soil, but generally they will grow reasonably well in all but the most extreme soil
types. The soil must be well drained and at the same time retain moisture for use by the roots. If you don’t have well-
drained soil in your garden, either bring in new soil and create a raised bed or amend the soil to create better drainage. A
hillside provides good drainage and helps to show off the roses, too. Make terraces, with a path on each terrace for
tending and admiring the roses.
Competition – Roses should bot be planted too close to large trees or shrubs whose roots will compete with them for
water and nutrients. If you need to, bury header boards 2 to 3 feet below the surface to keep the tree or shrub roots from
encroaching on the roses. Some of the larger shrub roses do not need this protection, because they develop extensive root
systems.
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