Proceed the steps as outlined above. Add mulch right after planting and maintain a thorough watering regime during summer. Shorten side branches so that they always remain lower than the main cane. If the bush suffered winter damage do not prune out the dead tissue, as this may be useful to support new shoots growing from the crown. Rather, shorten them and remove during summer.
Climbers Shorten the cane by about a third in spring.
Weaker canes should be pruned more severely in spring, to encourage growth at the expense of bloom. Drastic pruning is required only if the plant becomes too dense or unmanageable. There are but a few steps to follow for successful overwintering the roses, starting 6-8 weeks in advance of approaching frost. Plan ahead your season fertilization program so that there is ample nutrients to coincide with the summer bloom. Your goal should be to gradually minimize the Nitrogen level toward fall.