Apply organic amendments to the soil at planting time, but wait until after the plant has produced its first blooms to apply chemical fertilizers. For best performance, fertilize when the plant first leafs out and repeat after each flush of bloom until six weeks before the earliest frost date for your area. Use a rose food or general-purpose fertilizer applied according to label instructions. Composted manure can be used as a top dressing and provides organic matter in addition to nutrients. Reduce the amount of fertilizer applied during June, July and August by half but continue to feed after each bloom cycle.
Roses require lots of fertilizer, but excessive fertilizer can burn the plant.
Always make sure that the soil is moist before applying fertilizer and water well after application. A 3-inch mulch of pine straw, leaves, pine bark, or wood chips will conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Leave some space clear of mulch against the stem. Replace the mulch early each spring to decrease disease. Roses need lots of water.