IMO florist roses aren't roses that just have to be grown at elevation, equator, greenhouse, drip fertilization/pesticide but they will be smaller & not as perfect when grown outside, like any rose. Florist roses do last longer than most regular roses regardless & in the primo conditions it's superb. They probably weren't sold to home gardeners to not dilute the tradename; people can say "why would I buy a Pink O hara when I can grow it" or "My pink O Hara only lasted 3 days when I grew it, it's no good" - but add that Ecuador growing condition, they'll be bigger & last longer.

Also... growing roses in the East is a little more difficult than the PNW with more humidity, threat of RRD, japanese beetles, less fertile soil.

But I grow roses in the east and you should try it.

*Also... growing roses in the East is a little more difficult than the PNW with more humidity, threat of RRD, japanese beetles, less fertile soil.

But I grow roses in the east and you should try it.*

Yes, I feel like I took the great soil of PNW for granted. Anything I've planted here I've had to beak through hard clay or it's pure sand lol.

Any suggestions on what to amend the soil with?

I had to laugh my first trip to the garden center upon seeing Snake Away and Clay breaker. It's literally all new to me.

Sarah I also garden on concrete hard clay here in northwest Alabama. I have had good success by amending my soil with black cow manure you buy at your local co-op or anywhere like that. Also after mulching with wood chips I noticed they rot and slowly add fluff to the soil which long term means nicer softer clay. Other than that I think the red clay is good soil for roses and they do well.

It's a slow process for me to amend my also concrete hard clay (mine is also compacted from heavy equipment sitting on it being the last lot built) but I agree with Diana. Cow manure, wood chips. I built raised beds & filled them with compost & topsoil and it flows down to the clay. It is a slow process but I compost everything- used paper towels, fruit, veggies, grass, shredded junk mail. I have rabbits & mix in their manure. I burn what I prune off roses and cardboard, mix in that ash.... I think the PNW's volcanic ash makes the soil fertile. Clay does hold onto fertilizer but I mix it with all these other things. I noticed the worms getting fatter instead of looking anemic in clay. It may not be the PNW but I do get decent blooms esp 1st flush & Fall flush. Summer has blackspot, beetles, heat, drought.

*It may not be the PNW but I do get decent blooms esp 1st flush & Fall flush. Summer has blackspot, beetles, heat, drought.*

Yes, I'm worried about bloom fry . The area i have work with faces West- hot end day sun. I do spray so I'm not overly worried about BS.

Dianela & RosesinClay - thanks so much for the tips!