- Roses need lots of sunshine -- at least six hours a day. An eastern exposure is perfect, according to horticulturists with the Ohio State University Extension. They also require well-drained soil and will not tolerate water standing at their roots. Dig a 6-inch wide, 12-inch deep hole in the planting area and fill it with water. When it drains, fill it again and time how long it takes to drain. If the hole still contains water in four hours you need to either find a different planting site or amend the soil to increase drainage.
- Roses grow in most regions of the United States, although it may be difficult to locate a suitable variety if you live in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones below 3. In cold regions, the rose's graft union needs protection, so a good rule of thumb, according to the experts at "Rose Magazine," is the colder your zone, the deeper you will need to plant your rose. For instance, in zone 8 and above, plant the rose so that the graft union is at the level of the soil. If you are in zone 5 or 6, you will place the graft union slightly below the level of the soil. Those gardeners in the coldest regions, such as zone 3, will need to plant their roses 4 to 5 inches below the soil.
- The ideal time to plant your rose is while it is dormant, in late winter or early spring. As soon as the ground thaws enough to allow you to work with the soil, grab your shovel or spade and start planting. If the rose is bare-root, soak the roots in a bucket of room-temperature water for an hour or two before planting. If it is growing in a container you don't need to soak the roots.
- Roses are susceptible to a number of fungal diseases. There are several ways rosarians have found to protect their plants from these diseases; chief among them is making sure the bush has good air circulation. When choosing a planting location, make sure there is at least 3 feet of empty space around the bush.
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