Personally, I find the 'best' place to grow roses is to grow roses that like and appreciate your climate, your abilities, and your methods of gardening.

My area of the country is great for roses in December but is really tough on roses in August. Most roses LOVE our winters and only the strongest will continue year after year with summer heat records and continued drought conditions. We have few rose diseases in the low desert and most of the really nasty critters, pests, diseases and weather conditions that kill or stunt roses aren't part of our Phoenix gardening experience.

I'd like to grow lilacs, peonies, cherries and peaches but they either require more water, moderate temps or lower pH. Roses would like the same but are willing to tolerate what I can give 'em. :)

I suppose everywhere has its challenges in one way or another...

I don't think there is any one perfect spot. Like Jim said, every where has it's own challenges of one sort or another.

My dream spot would be some place where the season is maybe 8 months instead of 5 with milder winters so I could grow some Chinas, Teas and Noisettes but still cool enough so I can grow the ones that need some winter chill too. Lol, we always want it all, don't we?

While I agree that roses do seem to adapt to different types of growing conditions and every place has its challenges, I've always thought that there are certain places that are more conducive to rose growing. I admire anyone who is able to grow beautiful roses and deal with the various challenges.

Seil, that does sound like a nice dream spot! It would be great to be able to grow those beautiful Chinas, Teas and Noisettes and not have to worry whether they are too tender.

The healthiest roses I saw were in Napa. I watched them prune the HT and there were so many thick canes, they looked like wagon wheels.

Some say New Zealand. Based on my single visit there 9 yrs ago, I tend to agree.

I don't know where that would be, but I know it's not at my house.

Ingrid

I agree with Windeaux. The best roses and rose gardens I have ever seen was on a trip to New Zealand. They are very proud of their rose gardens, and rightfully so.