Position: Plant roses where they'll receive at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight each day during spring and summer. Do not plant them under trees or among tree roots, or plant a new rose in the spot where a rose grew previously, without first replacing the soil.

Soil: Regardless of your soil type, it's important to improve the soil before planting. Dig in plenty of organic matter - ideally a combination of well-rotted cow manure and compost - working it through the top 30cm or so. Give very sandy soils an extra ration of organic matter, and also add a dose of water crystals, to help retain moisture around the roots.

Care: Water your roses at least twice a week in their first spring and summer, and apply a layer of mulch around the base, a few centimetres from the trunk.

• Fertilise roses in early spring, and again in late summer/early autumn, using a rose-specific fertiliser, such as Dynamic Lifter For Roses. In between times, boost their flower display by applying regular doses of soluble fertiliser, such as Thrive Flower & Fruit. To help young plants establish a healthy root system, also apply seaweed tonic like Seasol from time to time.
  Prune roses lightly in midwinter. Groundcover roses need an all-over shear to remove spent flowers and dead stems - use hedge shears to speed up the job. To prune climbing roses, cut back the stems that have flowered and trim back the tops if they're reaching beyond their allotted space. However, for the first two years, they don't require pruning.