How to Grow Gorgeous Roses: A Beginner’s Guide

I’ll admit it—roses used to intimidate me. When I first got into gardening, I thought roses were only for expert green thumbs. 

But one spring, I picked up a small rose bush on sale at the garden center and decided to give it a shot. 

That little plant surprised me. It bloomed like crazy, filling my garden with color and scent. And with a bit of trial and error, I realized growing roses isn’t nearly as hard as it seems.

That’s why I’m writing this guide. If you’ve ever thought about planting roses but felt unsure where to start, you’re not alone. 

Roses are classics for a reason—they’re beautiful, versatile, and with the right care, they’ll thrive in just about any garden. 

In this beginner’s guide, I’ll walk you through everything I’ve learned about growing gorgeous roses, from planting to pruning, so you can enjoy a healthy, blooming rose garden of your own.

Choosing the Right Rose for Your Garden

Before planting, it helps to know the different types of roses and what works best for your space.

I started with shrub roses because they’re hardy and low-maintenance. They bloom all season and can handle a little neglect, which made them perfect for a beginner like me.

Here are the main types to consider:

• Hybrid Tea Roses: Classic, long-stemmed roses with large blooms. Great for cutting gardens.

• Floribunda Roses: Smaller blooms in large clusters. They’re colorful and bloom continuously.

• Climbing Roses: Perfect for trellises, fences, or walls. They need support but offer dramatic results.

• Shrub Roses: These are tough and disease-resistant. They fill out nicely and are easy to grow.
  

I suggest starting with shrub roses or floribundas if you’re new to rose gardening. They’re forgiving and still give you that wow factor.

Picking the Perfect Spot

Roses love sunlight. Aim for a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sun every day.

I planted my first rose bush near a south-facing fence. It thrived because it had full sun and a little protection from strong winds. If you can, avoid areas with heavy shade or where air can’t circulate. Roses need airflow to stay healthy and prevent diseases.

Preparing the Soil

Roses prefer well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

I worked plenty of compost into my garden bed before planting. If your soil is heavy clay, you’ll want to amend it with compost and a little sand to help with drainage. Roses don’t like to sit in wet soil.

The ideal soil pH for roses is between 6.0 and 6.5. You can test your soil with a simple kit from the garden center, but if it’s in that ballpark, you’re good to go.

Planting Your Roses

Spring or fall is the best time to plant roses.

Dig a hole about twice as wide and just as deep as the rose’s root ball. I like to make a small mound of soil at the bottom of the hole and spread the roots out over it. This helps them settle in better.

Backfill with a mix of garden soil and compost. Water well after planting to eliminate air pockets and help the plant settle.

For bare-root roses, soak them in water for a few hours before planting. This rehydrates the roots and gives them a better start.

Watering Roses the Right Way

Roses like consistent moisture but hate soggy soil.

I water deeply about twice a week, depending on the weather. It’s better to water less often but more deeply, encouraging the roots to grow down into the soil.

Try to water at the base of the plant rather than overhead. Wet leaves can lead to diseases like black spot or powdery mildew. I use a soaker hose in my garden, and it makes watering simple and efficient.

Feeding Your Roses for More Blooms

Roses are heavy feeders. Regular fertilizing will keep them blooming all season.

I use a balanced rose fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season. Start feeding in early spring when new growth appears and stop around six weeks before your first expected frost. That helps the plant wind down naturally before winter.

Adding compost or aged manure around the base of your roses in spring is another great way to feed them organically.

Mulching for Healthy Roses

A layer of mulch does wonders for roses. It helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.

I spread two to three inches of organic mulch—like wood chips or shredded bark—around the base of my roses. Just be sure to keep the mulch a couple of inches away from the stem to prevent rot.

Pruning Basics for Beginners

Pruning sounds complicated, but it’s not. And it makes a big difference in how your roses grow.

In early spring, I prune back my roses just as they start to show new growth. I cut back about one-third of the plant, removing any dead or weak stems.

Always cut at a 45-degree angle, about a quarter-inch above an outward-facing bud. This encourages growth away from the center of the plant, which improves air circulation.

During the growing season, I deadhead spent blooms regularly. Snipping off faded flowers keeps the plant focused on producing new ones.

Preventing Common Rose Problems

Roses can attract pests like aphids and diseases like black spot.

I check my roses regularly for signs of trouble. If I spot aphids, I spray them off with water or use insecticidal soap if they stick around. For fungal issues like black spot, good air circulation and watering at the base of the plant help prevent most problems.

I also pick up any fallen leaves and debris to keep things clean around my rose bushes.

Winter Protection for Roses

In colder zones, roses need a little winter prep.

After the first frost, I cut my roses back to about half their height and mound soil or mulch around the base. This insulates the roots and helps them survive freezing temperatures.

For climbing roses, I tie the canes loosely to their supports and wrap them in burlap if a harsh winter’s coming.

Final Thoughts

Growing roses isn’t nearly as complicated as it seems. Once I got the basics down, I realized they’re one of the most rewarding plants in my garden.

With the right spot, a little care, and regular feeding, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous blooms season after season. 

Whether you’re planting your first rose or adding to an existing garden, it’s a simple pleasure that makes a big impact.

Have you planted roses yet? What variety are you thinking of trying?