Planting Zones

The planting zones differ from region to region.

Roses will grow in a wide range of climates.

Many are susceptible to cold, heat, drought, wind, humidity, and other extremes. You could guard your sensitive roses by planting them in protected spots and giving them extra care, but who has time for that?

It is far wiser to choose varieties that will stand up to the worst conditions your climate can be.

Know your planting zone, it will help you decide which ones will grow best for you.

Click Planting Zones to view the USDA plant hardiness zone map.

This map will help you select roses that will survive a typical winter in your region.

Not sure when to plant? Enter your zip code to find your zone. Zone one is the coldest zone, Zone 11 is the warmest.

The best advice you can get for growing roses in your region, is to ask your neighbor! A knowledgeble neighbor or friend who grows roses in your area, can tell you the best ones to grow (along with which ones not to grow). They can advise you on what garden pests to watch for, and which rose diseases to be aware of, and how to deal with them.

If you've just moved to the area, drive around and take notes on what you see growing.

Find the top performing varieties for your specific region

Choose your region: Northeast Southeast Midwest Mountain States

Hot Climates

The long growing season, gives you plenty of blooms!! The plants can get rather large though, so keep that in mind when planting!

Modern roses are NOT a good choice, because these roses like their winter dormancy. They quickly exhast themselves in warmer climates. Two exceptions are "Iceberg" a floribunda, and "Queen Elizabeth", a grandiflora.

Generally the best choice for warm climates are; Old garden Roses.

Teas, China, Hybrid Perpetuals and Shrub roses, will be best for you.

Some Excellent Choices:

Belinda's Dream, Celine Forestier, Duchesse de Brabant, Earth Song, Knock Out, Lady Banks, David Austin's English roses, Old Blush, Penelope, Zephrine Drouhin, The Dark lady, Paul Neyron

A few tips for warm weather rose gardeners:

Build plenty of organic material into the soil to help keep plants from drying out to quickly.

Sheltering from strong winds also helps them from drying out.

Plan the garden so they will be lightly shaded in afternoon to shield them from that hot afternoon sun.

Yellow roses tend to fade in the heat, so try one and see what it does before investing in many.

Cold Climates

Cold climate gardeners have more of a challenge to grow roses. But take heart, it certainly can be done, if you chose the right ones!

Giving your roses a bit of protection for the winter is a great idea, if you have the time to do it! If not, you MUST chose ones that are hardy to your planting zones, in order to get them to survive the frozen winter months!

Best Roses for northern gardens:

Old garden roses except NOT- China, Noisette, Teas.

Centifloras and Damasks are hardy to zone 5.

Shrub roses, especially "Knock-Out", and it's off spring "Home Run",are cold-hardy and disease resistant. (very good choice)

"Forth of July" climber, has red & white flowers,grows to 14 ft, and blooms spring to frost.

Other Good choices:

Betty Prior, Dublin, Gertrude Jekyll, Graham Thomas, Mary Rose, Climbing Blaze, New Dawn, Sunsprite,