Look at the Canadian Explorer series. They are quite hardy, and most have good to excellent blackspot resistance.

there are at least 3 rose forums... bet you get an answer there..

ken

Yep- try the antiques rose forum- there are a few who garden in the snowy north there. I myself can heartily suggest the lovely arctic rose - r. acicularis (or the similar r.penduilina) and a delightful climber with r,helenae in its lineage - Lykkefund....or Baltimore Belle, with r.setigera in its parentage. The nootka rose, R,nutkana plena is also a goodie....and although these roses close to the species usually only bloom once, they are guaranteed a good show of autumn heps and often good autumn colour too. They are invariably healthier than highly bred hybrid teas....A number of Kordes or Poulsen roses may have more innate hardiness than the Austins and I will also endorse Mad's advice to look at the Canadian Explorer roses.

growlove ... I suggest a new rose by the name of 'Campfire', I have heard nothing but raves regarding its health and hardiness and the blooms being long lasting and weather resistant to boot.

How about Rugosa Roses? I just looked up a hardiness chart and it says that they are hardy to zone 3 or 4. I have three here and they are wonderful, easy to grow, and fragrant plants. They are also salt resistant too.

Linda

The Explorer series, Parkland series and Canadian Artist series should all do well for you as well as roses from the Pavement series and yes, Campfire from the Canadian Artist series is a keeper!!!!

The Easy Elegance series has some nice selections.

The series of roses hybridized by Griffith Buck at Iowa State are worth looking into. In addition to good winter hardiness, some are markedly fragrant.

Rugosas have been rock-hardy for me.

By the way, unless you live in the far northeast or northwest corner of Iowa, you're now in zone 5, so roses should automatically be a bit hardier. :)

This post was edited by eric_oh on Wed, Oct 1, 14 at 8:26