Krista, I am really behind on rose care this year. Normally I would have pruned them in probably late April and fed them at the same time. Also, sprayed them with my all purpose ammonia/water bug spray. (1/3 household ammonia in 2/3 water). I only buy own root roses or those from Palatine that are on a special root stock they work with. I am choosy that way after many not so good roses. But what works for you will depend on your soil and climate. Most commercial roses are on old Dr Huey rootstock. That was a plain red rose without much fragrance and it prefers soil that is not acid. I don't know what the best rose sources will be for you in Yakima. Find neighbors with the most gorgeous wonderful roses and ask them :-). So far my roses are not doing nearly as well on our basic clay soil as they did on VAshons acid sandy loam. But I have not devoted the time to them that I used to either. Every new home is an adventure with its own conditions!
