Full credit goes to Zystral for this, I'm just pushing it through GP
http://serebii.net/pokedex-bw/407.shtml
[Overview]
<p>Roserade was known in the previous generation as a top-class lead. With decent Speed, access to Sleep Powder and (Toxic) Spikes, and great Special Attack to threaten opponents, Roserade saw use on many teams. While the new generation has brought along a large shift in the metagame, entry hazards are still a valuable commodity that few viable Pokemon can boast access to. Roserade's Grass-type gives it an invaluable super effective STAB, backed up by a great offensive movepool; this means Roserade is able to combat the prevalent Rain and Sandstorm weather teams and is still very viable in the OU metagame of today, despite its ridiculous frailty.</p>
<p>It should be noted, however, that while Roserade is good, it is specialized; unless you have a specific reason for using Roserade over another faster, offensive entry hazard lead, there is usually a better option. Another point worth remembering is that Team Preview renders the use of Roserade as a dedicated lead useless. The popularity of fellow Grass-type Ferrothorn as a wall and Spiker doesn't help Roserade's case either. Despite all of this, rest assured that Roserade can still perform effectively.</p>
[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade is one of few Pokemon that can effectively set up Toxic Spikes. While Toxic Spikes may seem better suited to supporting stall teams, an offensive Toxic Spiker such as Roserade has its merits. The first point is that Roserade is the fourth fastest user of Toxic Spikes (not counting Qwilfish in the rain), meaning it can always set up two layers against slower opponents. The second point is that Roserade's great Special Attack means that after setting up Toxic Spikes, it can proceed to hit the opponent for reasonable damage, allowing another sweeper to come in and either pick off a weakened opponent or set up while they switch. In addition, Toxic Spikes will wear down the opposing team, allowing other sweepers to pick up some more damage and gain valuable KOs. Sleep Powder is Roserade's best choice against faster leads; because Roserade will be KOed before it can lay any Toxic Spikes, it is best to disable the opponent's Pokemon first, forcing them to switch, thus giving Roserade at least one layer and shutting down one of the opponent's Pokemon for the rest of the game. It also prevents the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert from setting up their entry hazards, helping your sweepers even further.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Fire is recommended due to the fact that Forretress, Scizor, and Ferrothorn are more likely to crop up early- or mid-game and take on Roserade; however, Hidden Power Ice is not without its merits, hitting Salamence, Dragonite, and Thundurus super effectively. Leaf Storm is the recommended STAB move, packing the most initial power, but its Special Attack drop forces Roserade to switch out afterwards. Giga Drain has low damage output, but its healing properties can keep Roserade alive, working well with Roserade's stellar Special Attack. Grass Knot will be the most effective option against foes such as Tyranitar and Gyarados due to its higher damage output.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs maximize Speed, so that Roserade ties with opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon at worst. Similarly, Special Attack is maximized in order to deal as much damage as possible before going down. Since Roserade is limited in terms of offense, depending on its Hidden Power type, it will fail to KO many Dragon-types, some Grass-types, some Bug-types, and other generally bulky Pokemon. Additionally, Roserade will lure in many Fire-, Ground-, and Bug-type moves. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados and Jellicent are great partners, resisting almost all the types of attacks that could take down Roserade. They will also enjoy having Toxic Spikes to make their counters less threatening. As mentioned, Team Preview detracts from the effectiveness of this set as a lead, so be careful when using it for that purpose.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Stun Spore / Leech Seed
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade also has access to Spikes, and is very good at setting them up, being able to deal severe damage to the majority of Rapid Spinners in OU. This Roserade is much bulkier than the Toxic Spikes set, so Giga Drain becomes the better option, keeping Roserade healthy while still taking out the likes of Starmie and Excadrill. Grass Knot is an option to hit heavier foes if desired. Once again, Hidden Power Fire takes out Ferrothorn and Forretress, two Pokemon that not only give Roserade stiff competition in setting up entry hazards, but also pose as potential walls to Roserade's assaults. If Dragon Dance users such as Salamence and Dragonite are worrying, then Hidden Power Ice will swiftly KO the Dragons before they can even attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Spikes is a much more useful entry hazard in general, since its effects are instant. Many late-game sweepers such as Gyarados and Virizion enjoy having Spikes around, enabling them to nab additional OHKOs against certain threats. If you find that you can get three layers of Spikes up and Roserade isn't particularly needed for weakening the opponent's Pokemon, Energy Ball is a stronger STAB move, yet still reliable. This Roserade works extremely well with Flash Fire users such as Heatran and Chandelure; it attracts Fire-type moves to give Heatran or Chandelure a boost, and provides Spikes to help these Fire-types nab KOs against extremely bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Roserade's movepool is great for what it can do; Sludge Bomb is an effective STAB move with decent neutral coverage, although Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STABs. Weather Ball can see some use, especially with the prominence of weather in this generation; unfortunately, Pokemon commonly seen on weather teams resist it. Shadow Ball can hit Ghost- and Psychic-types quite hard, although Roserade will struggle to break the likes of Reuniclus or Jellicent. Aromatherapy is an interesting choice, especially on the more defensive Roserade, although Roserade isn't as bulky as other clerics. It struggles to find the opportunity to switch in repeatedly, and is outclassed by the likes of Blissey. Grasswhistle can be used on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes is an illegal combination. In addition to the listed sets, you may also slap a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs on Roserade and go fully offensive with a set of Leaf Storm / Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Fire / Rest and abuse Roserade's naturally high Special Attack.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STAB moves, and fear only Hidden Power Fire. In particular, Skarmory and Ferrothorn can set up their entry hazards, and use Whirlwind and Gyro Ball, respectively. Lacking Hidden Power Ice allows Dragon-types to come in and set up, or simply take Roserade out. Blissey walls everything, provided it doesn't come in on two layers of Toxic Spikes. It can then proceed to paralyze Roserade or take it down with Seismic Toss or Ice Beam. In general, Roserade hits hard, but if a Pokemon can switch in without losing more than 40%, it's not hard to hit it on its frail Defense and take it out.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Technician is one of Roserade's better upgrades, although outside of the rare, weak Grass Knot, Roserade has few viable options that are boosted by Technician. Magical Leaf is more powerful than Energy Ball after Technician and has infinite accuracy and more PP. Most Roserade use Hidden Power, so reducing the power of Hidden Power to 60 or 59 from an IV spread listed <a href="/dp/articles/technician_hidden_powers">here</a> grants Roserade a Hidden Power strength of either 90 or 88, depending on which you decide on. Other options are Swift and Round, both of which are competitively useless.</p>
http://serebii.net/pokedex-bw/407.shtml
[Overview]
<p>Roserade was known in the previous generation as a top-class lead. With decent Speed, access to Sleep Powder and (Toxic) Spikes, and great Special Attack to threaten opponents, Roserade saw use on many teams. While the new generation has brought along a large shift in the metagame, entry hazards are still a valuable commodity that few viable Pokemon can boast access to. Roserade's Grass-type gives it an invaluable super effective STAB, backed up by a great offensive movepool; this means Roserade is able to combat the prevalent Rain and Sandstorm weather teams and is still very viable in the OU metagame of today, despite its ridiculous frailty.</p>
<p>It should be noted, however, that while Roserade is good, it is specialized; unless you have a specific reason for using Roserade over another faster, offensive entry hazard lead, there is usually a better option. Another point worth remembering is that Team Preview renders the use of Roserade as a dedicated lead useless. The popularity of fellow Grass-type Ferrothorn as a wall and Spiker doesn't help Roserade's case either. Despite all of this, rest assured that Roserade can still perform effectively.</p>
[SET]
name: Toxic Spikes
move 1: Toxic Spikes
move 2: Sleep Powder
move 3: Leaf Storm / Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 4: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
item: Focus Sash / Life Orb
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Timid
evs: 4 HP / 252 SpA / 252 Spe
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade is one of few Pokemon that can effectively set up Toxic Spikes. While Toxic Spikes may seem better suited to supporting stall teams, an offensive Toxic Spiker such as Roserade has its merits. The first point is that Roserade is the fourth fastest user of Toxic Spikes (not counting Qwilfish in the rain), meaning it can always set up two layers against slower opponents. The second point is that Roserade's great Special Attack means that after setting up Toxic Spikes, it can proceed to hit the opponent for reasonable damage, allowing another sweeper to come in and either pick off a weakened opponent or set up while they switch. In addition, Toxic Spikes will wear down the opposing team, allowing other sweepers to pick up some more damage and gain valuable KOs. Sleep Powder is Roserade's best choice against faster leads; because Roserade will be KOed before it can lay any Toxic Spikes, it is best to disable the opponent's Pokemon first, forcing them to switch, thus giving Roserade at least one layer and shutting down one of the opponent's Pokemon for the rest of the game. It also prevents the likes of Hippowdon and Swampert from setting up their entry hazards, helping your sweepers even further.</p>
<p>Hidden Power Fire is recommended due to the fact that Forretress, Scizor, and Ferrothorn are more likely to crop up early- or mid-game and take on Roserade; however, Hidden Power Ice is not without its merits, hitting Salamence, Dragonite, and Thundurus super effectively. Leaf Storm is the recommended STAB move, packing the most initial power, but its Special Attack drop forces Roserade to switch out afterwards. Giga Drain has low damage output, but its healing properties can keep Roserade alive, working well with Roserade's stellar Special Attack. Grass Knot will be the most effective option against foes such as Tyranitar and Gyarados due to its higher damage output.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>The EVs maximize Speed, so that Roserade ties with opposing base 90 Speed Pokemon at worst. Similarly, Special Attack is maximized in order to deal as much damage as possible before going down. Since Roserade is limited in terms of offense, depending on its Hidden Power type, it will fail to KO many Dragon-types, some Grass-types, some Bug-types, and other generally bulky Pokemon. Additionally, Roserade will lure in many Fire-, Ground-, and Bug-type moves. Bulky Water-types such as Gyarados and Jellicent are great partners, resisting almost all the types of attacks that could take down Roserade. They will also enjoy having Toxic Spikes to make their counters less threatening. As mentioned, Team Preview detracts from the effectiveness of this set as a lead, so be careful when using it for that purpose.</p>
[SET]
name: Spikes
move 1: Spikes
move 2: Giga Drain / Grass Knot
move 3: Hidden Power Fire / Hidden Power Ice
move 4: Rest / Stun Spore / Leech Seed
item: Leftovers
ability: Natural Cure
nature: Calm
evs: 252 HP / 120 Def / 136 SpD
[SET COMMENTS]
<p>Roserade also has access to Spikes, and is very good at setting them up, being able to deal severe damage to the majority of Rapid Spinners in OU. This Roserade is much bulkier than the Toxic Spikes set, so Giga Drain becomes the better option, keeping Roserade healthy while still taking out the likes of Starmie and Excadrill. Grass Knot is an option to hit heavier foes if desired. Once again, Hidden Power Fire takes out Ferrothorn and Forretress, two Pokemon that not only give Roserade stiff competition in setting up entry hazards, but also pose as potential walls to Roserade's assaults. If Dragon Dance users such as Salamence and Dragonite are worrying, then Hidden Power Ice will swiftly KO the Dragons before they can even attack.</p>
[ADDITIONAL COMMENTS]
<p>Spikes is a much more useful entry hazard in general, since its effects are instant. Many late-game sweepers such as Gyarados and Virizion enjoy having Spikes around, enabling them to nab additional OHKOs against certain threats. If you find that you can get three layers of Spikes up and Roserade isn't particularly needed for weakening the opponent's Pokemon, Energy Ball is a stronger STAB move, yet still reliable. This Roserade works extremely well with Flash Fire users such as Heatran and Chandelure; it attracts Fire-type moves to give Heatran or Chandelure a boost, and provides Spikes to help these Fire-types nab KOs against extremely bulky Pokemon such as Hippowdon.</p>
[Other Options]
<p>Roserade's movepool is great for what it can do; Sludge Bomb is an effective STAB move with decent neutral coverage, although Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STABs. Weather Ball can see some use, especially with the prominence of weather in this generation; unfortunately, Pokemon commonly seen on weather teams resist it. Shadow Ball can hit Ghost- and Psychic-types quite hard, although Roserade will struggle to break the likes of Reuniclus or Jellicent. Aromatherapy is an interesting choice, especially on the more defensive Roserade, although Roserade isn't as bulky as other clerics. It struggles to find the opportunity to switch in repeatedly, and is outclassed by the likes of Blissey. Grasswhistle can be used on the Spikes set, as Sleep Powder and Spikes is an illegal combination. In addition to the listed sets, you may also slap a Choice Scarf or Choice Specs on Roserade and go fully offensive with a set of Leaf Storm / Sludge Bomb / Hidden Power Fire / Rest and abuse Roserade's naturally high Special Attack.</p>
[Checks and Counters]
<p>Steel-types resist both of Roserade's STAB moves, and fear only Hidden Power Fire. In particular, Skarmory and Ferrothorn can set up their entry hazards, and use Whirlwind and Gyro Ball, respectively. Lacking Hidden Power Ice allows Dragon-types to come in and set up, or simply take Roserade out. Blissey walls everything, provided it doesn't come in on two layers of Toxic Spikes. It can then proceed to paralyze Roserade or take it down with Seismic Toss or Ice Beam. In general, Roserade hits hard, but if a Pokemon can switch in without losing more than 40%, it's not hard to hit it on its frail Defense and take it out.</p>
[Dream World]
<p>Technician is one of Roserade's better upgrades, although outside of the rare, weak Grass Knot, Roserade has few viable options that are boosted by Technician. Magical Leaf is more powerful than Energy Ball after Technician and has infinite accuracy and more PP. Most Roserade use Hidden Power, so reducing the power of Hidden Power to 60 or 59 from an IV spread listed <a href="/dp/articles/technician_hidden_powers">here</a> grants Roserade a Hidden Power strength of either 90 or 88, depending on which you decide on. Other options are Swift and Round, both of which are competitively useless.</p>
