Is there a reason you don’t want to go with the knockouts? 30 years ago I had about a dozen rosebushes of different kinds/colors in my front yard. They took a lot of feeding and watering in dry Texas heat but I did enjoy them at the time. Now, hubby is wanting roses but if we get some I am definitely going with the less work intensive knockouts.
I would suggest you pick a spot in advance as to where the roses are to be planted, preferably with some shade,given your hot/dry summer climate
Add amendments ,compost, peat moss, and fiberous material that will retain moisture to the soil, add a balanced garden fertilizer and then do a soil test(including mico-nutrients)
to determine how much lime or sulfur, to bring the soil to the rose optimum ph level to 6.0 - 6.5
Plant your roses, water well, compact the soil slightly, and then cover with a mulch (to retain moisture) of whatever crops are grown in your area(ie: rice hulls,cocoa, leaves, etc.
This method should provide you with the beauty of the roses with little of the ongoing maintenance; most of the effort is done in the prep work/planing, prior to planting.
Love the knockouts, but really want a climber or two.