Question
Hi,

I've chanced upon this website and i'm impressed and awed by how knowledgeable you are. I'm not really sure if this is the right place for this question but its bugging me for a long time. So here it is:

What kind of rose breeds are suitable for a hot, humid weather like singapore? Average temperature ranges from 20 - 34 C can you suggest to me a few breeds that will have tight and full bloooms and they will do well in singapore?

Thanks in advance!

Sincerely,
Roy

Answer
A few things to keep in mind, and the most important is that in my area where I grow roses in the Pacific Northwest, 4 hours of sun is equivalent to 2 hours in Singapore. Although roses dislike high heat, growing them to get away from the heat in my area is okay, but in your part of the world, they will just not do well. And the last tidbits of wisdom, not only do you like roses, so do spider mites and they are very happy in your area so you will have to purchase a chemical spray to keep them under control.  Spraying them with water won't work in your garden. Also except the fact that your roses will from time to time get yellow leaves and the tips will probably turn brown and curl up. Heat always can put a rose under stress and the roots will re-act to it.  I am assuming that your water is fine for gardening plants.
First try to select your roses in the hottest part of your year from a nursery because those that are doing and blooming well will be the most heat tolerant. Full blooms will always suffer the most as a full rose flower usually has thinner petals than a semi double or a single. But by all means try a few to see if they survive. In regards to classification, Tea roses and the Chinas seem to do best in high, humid heat.
Plant your roses in top soil. Don't use any peat because once it dries out it is difficult to get it moist again and your heat will definitely dry it out quickly. Select a spot that gets about 4 to 5 hours of full sun. Water daily, preferably in the morning, and use a slow release fertilizer such as Osmocote 14-14-14. Be careful of fertilizers because they can make a rose  re-act to them in high heat or if they are under stress because of the weather conditions. Slow release lasts for about 6 months so after that they need no more and give them a sort of rest during your winter. Mini roses might be a good type to try. Planted in a container you can place them where it is best for them to survive.
M.S Viraraghavan in India has been breeding roses for those in their climate. Good luck.