Roses, generally speaking, like to get a good big drink, and then dry out slowly.
Then get another good drink.

A newly-planted rose, lacking much in the way of feeder roots, generally needs more water than a mature plant.

The amount of water needed is going to vary with humidity of the air, soil structure, even the rose itself.
But tender new growth might very well wilt, hit with dry 90 deg or so air.
Stick your finger down into the soil, where the rose is.
If it is moist and cool, it's fine.
If it is warm and dry, water is likely called for.

You can also spray it off with a hose.

Here's what happened to the leaves here, on a very immature plant, caught without enough water.
Our recent heat wave hit it when it was dry.

{{gwi:293786}}

Jeri

I a new to gardening as well. I am a novice...bordering on down right pathetic...;o)
I put in double knock out roses in the Spring. Looked great in the 3 gal. container. Put them in the ground. Bloomed pretty but when the heat came....Blooms still come out big time..BUT..they also wilt and die and fry in the SAME DAY....ughhhhh. I was watering liberally twicea week and then kicked up to good watering once a day to no avail. The soil is very silty and drainage is no problem. I live in Orlando Florida but i dont know my zone. My neighbors look upon my roses like they belong in an old haunted cemetary. So Liz, any help you get I will hopefully get some help too.

Think of a newly planted rose as a 5 year old boy compared with an 18 year old young man. The youngster can't run as far, jump as high, lift as much weight. The 18 year old is bigger and stronger than the other and can take tougher conditions (like extreme heat). So it is with roses, too.

Newly planted roses don't have a large established root system, so they are more easily stressed. Once the roots get established and grow larger, the flowers can hold up better in heat. This may take a couple more years.

Spunkmonkey, Florida has a special problem due to a type of nematode which are plentiful in Florida's sandy soils. Roses in Florida should be grafted onto a rootstock called 'Fortuniana' in order to have a long life. Here's a page with a lot of information about growing roses in Florida:

Here is a link that might be useful: florida rose growing information

the leaves actually look pretty good, its just the flower itself

Liz -- When did you plant it?

Jeri

I planted it late April of this year

Since it's a new rose and you know the blooms can't take the heat, as soon as they start to open, cut them and bring them in the house... that way you can enjoy them longer and it helps the rose to concentrate on the roots more...