Abstract: A rose retaining system comprising a mounting plate, rose, rose mounting screw and washer. The mounting plate is mounted to the door by screws passing through holes in the mounting plate. The rose plate is mounted to the mounting plate by the rose mounting screw. The rose mounting screw has a externally threaded tubular portion which passes through the center of the rose and is threaded into the internally threaded tubular projection of the mounting plate. The rose mounting screw is threaded until the slotted collar contacts the recessed shoulder of the rose plate. The key is then used to tightened the rose mounting screw, securing the rose plate in the desired position. The key can be used whether or not the spindle is mounted through the axially aligned openings of the mounting plate, rose and rose mounting screw. After mounting is completed, the exterior surface of the collar of the rose mounting screw is recessed below the outer surface of the rose mounting plate.