Maintain the mulch layer throughout the year. Leave the mulch in place when feeding and watering the roses. A few roses are resistant to pests, but most need sprays. Major pests are black spot, a disease, and mites. Control black spot with a fungicide applied mainly during moist weather.
Control mites with a soap or oil spray during the dry times of the year.
Other pests that need periodic control include thrips, caterpillars and aphids. Pruning Most gardeners start the new rose year by pruning bush types during mid-February. A vigorous plant is usually kept to between three and five main stems. Other types of roses usually are pruned only as needed. How to cut roses Flowers are best cut in the morning when the stems and blossoms are full of moisture.