1 Feeding: Roses should be fed and mulched in the spring. But for optimal blooms, repeat-flowering types will need a second feed after their first flush of flowers.
2 Watering: Roses root deeply, but can still suffer from drought. Mulch them well and don’t let more than a week pass without watering or rainfall. Always water the roots, not the flowers.
3 Pruning and training: In general, you need only remove dead flowers from repeat-flowering varieties. Also make sure that developing shoots are tied so they don’t get broken off by summer’s heavy rain and wind.
4 Diseases: Always be on the lookout for signs of impending horticultural catastrophes, especially mildew, black spots and rust. To halt the spread of disease, try pruning the infected parts of the plant, or use a spray fungicide.
5 Pests: Aphids and the leaf-rolling sawfly are common pests, but are relatively easily controlled (particularly when caught early on). As soon as you spot them, strike back with insecticides, soaps, oils or natural predators like ladybugs.
