There are few gardening topics that can elicit more discussion, more debate or more passion than roses.

It sometimes seems there are as many theories on how to get the most out of a rose bush as there are people growing roses.

The rose is a popular, perennial flower shrub or vine of the genus Rosa, from the family Rosaceae.

There are many types to choose from, such as landscape roses, climbing roses, old roses, modern roses, wild roses and more. Roses are critical to the perfume and floral industries and also have medicinal uses. They have been a garden favorite for millennia; the first humans known to purposely cultivate roses are the Chinese — more than 5,000 years ago.

Rose cultivation can be simple or complex, depending on what type of rose you are growing and what you want from it. Some gardeners look for old-fashioned, heavily scented roses, while others may prefer long-stemmed, hybrid blooms, and still others enjoy spray roses for bouquets.

Proper rose care begins at planting time. Roses prefer a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil that will allow them to be watered deeply on a regular basis without the roots being saturated in standing water. A three-inch layer of mulch will help the roots stay moist and cool. Try to avoid using a sprinkler to water your roses, as wet foliage can lead to problems like black spot. A drip system or a soaker hose is ideal.

Roses are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced, organic fertilizer applied about every six weeks is ideal. In our area, it is thought best to fertilize in March, May, July and September.

Next week: a simplified primer on pruning roses.

• UC Certified Master Gardeners are available to answer your gardening questions Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 953-6112. Questions for Heather can be submitted to ucmastergardener@gmail.com.