Question
I love roses but have never grown them. I live in the south (North Carolina). Is there any particular type of rose beginners should start with, or any advice you could give me on how to grow the healthiest roses? If you could suggest a book or article that has been helpful to you, that would be great. Thanks so much.

Answer
There are some roses that have become stars because they are easy to grow and will cause no problems for a beginner. However the secret to growing healthy roses is to buy them from a nursery that specialize in only roses. That way you get a nice big healthy plant to start off with. Here is a top notched rose nursery that you can get excellent roses from.
http://www.rosesunlimitedownroot.com
Kordes in Germany has come up with roses which are almost disease free and do not need to be sprayed.
I would start with these roses to begin with.
Antique a cream and carmine climber
Brothers Grimm an orange and amber Floribunda
Bonica a semi double pure pink Shrub
Duftzauber 84 a beautiful deep red Hybrid Tea
Lions Fairy Tale a white flushed pale pink Floribunda
If you need more information please write to me again.