Hooper advises gardeners to use a root stimulator during the first year and to use a fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Roses also like sandy, loamy soil. Peat moss or a soil conditioner are good to add when planting or to work into existing soil. According to McCloskey, aphids and extreme heat are the biggest hindrances to growing fabulous roses. Pesticides and fungicides should be applied with caution.
Some chemicals are harder on some varieties than on others.
Overwatering or too much care can also be harmful. The best way to check for moisture is to stick a wooden spoon or screwdriver into the soil, down about 3-4 inches. After the planting, pruning and feeding, growers find it easy to enjoy the beauty of their work. Roses for friends Gladys and George Hall grew more than 100 quality, prize winning rose bushes for about 15 years. Nancy Capra and her husband Jay got into growing roses as the result of a Valentine's Day gift.