Question
I purchased a rose tree growing in a pot..it is approximately 3.5 feet tall and is in full bloom. I'm considering planting it, but we have a lot of clay dirt in my area, I think zone 7 in NC. I need advice on soil conditions, should I leave it in the pot,anything you can tell me as the only roses I have are Knockout roses and they are very hardy. I don't know anything about roses, except that they need special care, Thank you, Beverly

Answer
Clay soil is the best type for roses but it has to be amended with sand and something else  such as compost, to hold it all together.  Here is more information about clay soils
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1002/clay_soils.asp
One of the quickest ways to garden if your soil is clay, is to make a raised bed. Then you don't have to worry about the clay and it's problems.
There are a couple of things to be aware of in regards to tree roses. The main thing is that the tree is made by growing a rose and then cutting it off about 3 feet tall. Then they bud another modern rose on the top. The problem with that is in cold winters  the modern and tender rose is sitting up in the air where any nasty cold snap could kill it in the winter. Why don't you plant it in a container, place the container on wheels and then place it in an unheated garage for the winter. However if you want to plant it, just make sure it will have some protection from the strong winter winds.
Here is another website for you all about growing roses. There isn't anything they haven't missed in regards to questions regarding how to grow roses.
http://www.rose-gardening-made-easy.com/