How do you make sure if a rose bush is any good?

I know absolutely nothing about planting but I am very much willing to learn. I am interested in planting a rose bush. I started to purchase one from the store the other day and this girl looked at the rose stem that I had and said that it looked like it may not be any good. I told her that I didnt know anything about growing flowers so I just put it back on the shelf and paid for my other items and left. Any rose experts out there advice is much needed.

How do you make sure if a rose bush is any good?
Some roses are more disease resistant. I like Tropicana or Peace. I would buy a potted rose bush instead of a bareroot it is easier for a beginner. Make sure the branches are as thick as you can get them. I like to purchase ones with as many thick branches as I can. The branches should not criss cross each other. Make sure you plant only after all frost is over. Use fertilizer as indicated on the package. After the rose blooms and dies, cut off the dead rose so that others will then bloom in its place. Make sure that you plant the rose in full sun.
Reply:Roses are very easy to grow! If you are looking at the small kinds in the plastic bags, they are mostly in the dormant stage. If you wonder if the stem is alive, try to bend it a bit. If it is flexible that means it's alive, if it breaks, I would not buy it. I would suggest going to a garden store to purchase rose plants. Buy them in a pot and the people there can give you tips for planting. They may be a few dollars more, but the extra advice is worth the money!
Reply:Roses are not the best choice for a novice because so many things can go wrong.





That said, the clerk could have been full of baloney because she didn't even tell you what she was looking at. Stems can be kind of gnarly looking.





Here's a good article on what to look for


http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/RockfordCe...
Reply:If you were looking at those bagged roses, It should have min. 3 branches bigger in diameter than a pencil. It should have firm leaf buds that have not started to elongate and leaf out (no longer than 1/2" from stems).





A lot of the bag roses are not good in every zone.





I recommend a Pink Knockout for the beginner.
Reply:When you purchase a plant always get the ones with the most new growth.This helps to ensure your plant has good, established roots. Also check the dirt and around the new growth, and back of leaves for bugs. That is the most common problem when it comes to getting a good plant. Look for webs as they indicate that the plant may have spider mites ( not good). They are really small and are about the size of pin heads. If you are at a garden center or nursery you can get them to spray the plant if you are unsure. I hope this helps. Good luck and Happy Hunting!