Step 1: Choose the Right Rose Variety

• Local favourites: Consider Australian varieties like Rosa ‘Iceberg’ or Rosa ‘Queen Elizabeth’.
• Purchase from local nurseries: Look for healthy plants suited to your region’s climate.

Step 2: Find the Perfect Spot

• Sunlight: Roses thrive with at least 6 hours of sun each day. Morning sun is best to dry off dew and prevent fungal issues.
• Soil: Choose a spot with well-drained soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging.

Step 3: Prepare the Soil

• Dig a hole: Make it about twice the size of the root ball.
• Improve the soil: Mix in some local compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil.

Step 4: Plant the Rose

• Dig the hole: Ensure it’s deep enough for the root ball.
• Position the rose: Place it in the hole so the graft union (the swollen part where the stem meets the roots) is level with the soil.
• Backfill: Fill in the hole with soil and water well to remove air pockets.

Step 5: Watering and Mulching

• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
• Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch (like sugar cane mulch or wood chips) around the base to retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Step 6: Ongoing Care

• Prune: In late winter or early spring, prune away dead or damaged wood and shape the plant.
• Feed: Use a rose fertiliser or a balanced fertiliser every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring to autumn).

Aussie Tip: Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and watch for fungal diseases. Regular checks help keep your roses in top shape!

Happy rose gardening!