Most roses will tolerate a wide variety of soil types, but prefer reasonable drainage. Adding gypsum to clay soils will help improve soil structure. Adding well rotted organic matter to the soil will help retain moisture, improve soil structure and nutrition, and help maintain soil temperatures at suitable levels for growth. If your soil has an acid pH adding lime will generally prove beneficial. The lime can be added to the soil prior to planting, or sprinkled onto the soil surface for establishing roses.
Roses respond well to feeding.
A slow release fertilizer or well rotted manure is best. Roots can be burnt if they come in contact with strong fertilisers. Be careful to keep rotting material away from the base of the rose. Watering is essential if a rose is to flower well. Avoid watering the foliage - it's better to make a dish in the soil at the base of a plant and fill it with water to allow slow penetration.