Two to three inches of mulch is desirable. Use fall leaves, pine straw, ground pine bark or cypress chips. Do not put the mulch right up to the stem. Leave a clear area to reduce the chance of unnoticed insect or disease attack. Water mulched roses at least once per week during dry weather.
Unmulched roses require watering more often.
Avoid overhead watering as wet foliage promotes disease. Use soaker hoses or drip irrigation. An inexpensive soil test through your local extension service is your best guide to fertilization. Pruning depends on type of rose. Well-pruned roses respond with larger, more attractive flowers.