The optimal planting time for bare-root roses is fall, winter, and early spring. Container grown plants can be planted at any time because the root system is not disturbed. Make sure that newly planted roses get adequate moisture until they adjust to their new environment. Sunlight is the most limiting factor when choosing a site for your rose garden or specimen bush.
Roses require at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Don't plant a rose anywhere you wouldn't consider growing tomatoes. Any shade that would be appreciated comes in the afternoon when harsh rays at that time can wash out petal colors. Quality soil is important to roses, and very easy to amend if you don't have the right conditions. Sand and organic matter should be added to clay soils to loosen particles, and organic matter should be added to sandy soil. Organic matter can consist of anything from composted pine bark and needles, leaves, grass clippings, garden compost, composted manure, rice hulls, etc.