Roses for Cold Climates

The study at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum looked at a mind-boggling 196 species and cultivars of roses. All but 28 were either species or classed as Old Garden Roses (prior to 1936). The other 28 were modern shrub roses. This trial compares these hardy, rugged, but mostly once-blooming beauties with their modern counterparts in nearly every aspect you could name. All their information is collected in a wonderful Extension Publication called Roses for the North. This is the most complete listing of old and new shrub roses for cold climates that I have ever found. There are extensive tables showing types of winter injury; degree of hardiness; shrub height, width and habit; disease susceptibility; flower color, form and fragrance. It contains lovely photos too. This is one reference I would hate to be without.

All in all, dedicated or just a rose lover, there are plenty of America's favorite flowers that we can grow too.

Information on the book Roses for the North can be found here.

Don't miss our currently running Spring Rose Workshop with consulting rosarian (and our own Rose Garden editor!) Mark Whitelaw. Now's your chance to ask all those questions you've always wanted answers to. And see our other special rose topics on Suite 101 Gardening

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