Growing roses for spring/summer

i have a small patio here on my condo and i would like to grow several rose plants here. my balcony faces the west direction so i get alot of sun during spring and summer. wanted to know if growing healthy roses is the same as weed? you know, good airy soil, good water with ph adjusted and the occastional fert every now and then? i saw some rose tree thing at home depot the other day. it was just the rose branch in a pot with no leaves or rose for sale. i take it these things start vegging in spring and bloom during the summer?



also, could someone recommend me just some good plants to grow in general for a small patio? i want it looking like a jungle because it gets damn hot in my apt and id like some sun loving plants to shade it a little.