Hardy Roses
by Rommy Lopat

ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED: 1998 Summer

TWG Editor: Following is a quick synopsis of the Chicago Botanic Garden's [CBG] 1997 "Plant Evaluation Notes" on shrub roses. There will be additional articles on roses in upcoming issues, and I encourage you to send in your hardiness comments on Austin and old roses.

Four Star Rating
Assiniboine: purplish red
Champlain: dark red
Constance Spry: soft pink
Henry Kelsey: medium red
Jens Munk: medium pink
John Davis: medium pink
Lucetta: blush pink
Rosa rugosa ÔAlba Plena': white
The Reeve: dark pink
William Baffin: dark pink

Three-and-a-Half Star Rating
Heritage: blush pink
Mary Rose: medium pink
Morden Blush: light pink to white
Morden Centennial: medium pink

The "Parkland" series of roses were bred in Manitoba, Canada, and many contain ÔMorden' as part of the cultivar name. The native prairie rose, Rosa arkansana, was a source of winter hardiness in these roses. They usually have little or no fragrance.

The "Explorer" series of roses were bred in Ontario, Canada. There are 3 types: a rosa rugosa hybrid, shrub, and climber. Rosa x kordesii was used as their source for disease resistance, and these roses usually have pleasant scents.

For more information, contact the Plant Information Office at the CBG (847) 835-0972.

(TOP OF PAGE)