Roses are resilient plants and will thrive with a little care and attention. Keeping them hydrated, especially in the Australian heat, is important, but they also require fertilising to be their best. By fertilising and mulching your roses, you replenish the soil with vital nutrients, ensuring your rose stays strong and healthy and produces vibrant blooms all season long.

For practicality and ease, look for a slow-release granular rose feed to provide the rose with essential nutrients over a more extended period. These fertilisers provide a balanced mix of nitrogen (N) for foliage growth, phosphorus (P) for root development and flower production, and potassium (K) for overall plant health and disease resistance. For an even more abundant display of flowers, supplement with a liquid feed such as a tomato fertiliser during the flowering period to encourage even more blooms.
Start fertilising your roses in early spring as they emerge from dormancy through to autumn. Don't be tempted to fertilise your roses too late into autumn, as this can encourage tender new growth that frosts could damage.
When fertilising, remove any weeds or debris around the base of your rose. This will ensure that you have a blank canvas for feeding your rose and aren't accidentally feeding any weeds or other plants you don't want to encourage. 
Following the instructions on the packaging of your chosen fertiliser, scoop out the required amount of feed and spread it around the base of your rose and out to the width of the rose's canopy. Fork in the fertiliser gently, water the rose, and if you haven't already done so this year, apply a thick layer of mulch to lock the goodness in. 

Mulching offers many benefits for roses and, indeed, the soil itself. Mulch acts as a protective layer over the soil, helping to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, suppress weed growth, and improve soil structure. Organic mulches like soil improver, compost, straw, or wood chips gradually break down, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients.
• Apply a 5-10cm thick layer of mulch around the base of your roses, spreading it out to the outer edge of the foliage canopy to provide adequate insulation and weed suppression.
• Leave a small gap around the base of the rose and underneath the stems to prevent moisture-related issues such as stem rot.
• Refresh the mulch layer annually or as needed to maintain its effectiveness and appearance.