Rose Bush Temperature Range

The Hardiest Roses

• The hardiest of all roses will succeed in USDA zones 4, 3 and, perhaps, 2. The amount of frost damage, however, will depend on a number of elements. Microclimate, summer heat, the time available for physiological changes in the fall and other cultural factors all contribute to the hardiness of a specific plant.

  The species Rosa rugosa, available in white and pale pink as well as the typical bright purplish-pink, is one of the hardiest roses, growing in zone 2 with temperatures down to minus 45 degrees. Hybrids with other species are available that also share this cold tolerance. Three other species, R. setigera, R. spinossissima and R. primula, are hardy to zone 4. Groups of roses to consider include the Kordesii series, the Parkland series and the Explorer series.

Medium Hardy Roses

• In zones 4 through 6, you can grow most of the old European roses such as the Bourbons and Eglantines, and many modern shrub roses, plus most listed in the previous section. Winter temperatures here range from 0 degrees to minus 40 and, in spite of their hardiness, the branches can be damaged by an extra early or late freeze. Be prepared to wrap your shrubs temporarily with plastic in colder areas.

Somewhat Tender Roses

• If you live in zones 7 or 8, with minimum temperatures between 0 and 15 degrees, you'll be able to grow hybrid teas, floribundas and polyanthas as well as the large-flowered climbers, the English roses and the musk roses. These are mainly hybrids of European roses with the more tender species from China that arrived in the late 18th century. Again, don't take hardiness for granted. Stop fertilizing and pruning by the beginning of September to allow the shrubs to harden off for the winter.

The Most Tender Roses

• If your winter minimum temperature is above 15 degrees, you can grow Banksias, Chinas, teas, climbing teas and hybrid teas. These have an ancestry that is predominantly from China, where roses have been cultivated and hybridized for 5,000 years. The Asian species added repeat bloom and new shades of color to the palette of rose possibilities.