Question
I bought a container of what is labeled Gene Boerner floribunda and I don't know anything about it just that I love roses and finally have my own home with a garden!  I bought it as it was 1/2 price at Walmart! and looked like it was about to bloom but hasn't yet.  The tag said either shade or full sun depending on variety.  I have it outside now 2 weeks and it's not blooming but I'm in central Florida (?which zone I"m in) and it has gotten down to 30's at night recently and 70's by day. There is a lot of sand in the earth here.  Should I bring it in for more warmth?  should I keep it in a container or eventually plant it in ground?  How much should I water it?  Any info will be appreciated.  Thank you.

Answer
Well you got a winner at Walmart! Gene Boerner is a very good floribunda and also hardy. This rose can take snow so 30' is nothing to it. If your soil is very sandy, see if you can get some peat moss or anything that will stop the water from passing through quickly. It is also a nice idea to grow this rose in a pot. That way you can control what type of soil it is in. Make sure the pot is at least 18" across and deep even bigger is better. In your climate don't use a pottery type container as it will fry the roots, plastic is fine.  Buy some potting soil and place about 2 inches of sand soil in the bottom so the roots won't sit in water. Place it in full sun or at least 8 hours of sun and water about every 5 days soaking it so the water runs out the bottom. Roses like to have a large gulp of water not daily sips. Sprinkle some slow release fertilizer 14-14-14 around the top as this will last the whole summer. Just snap off the dead flowers so others will come. Hope this helps. Lynnette