6. Lavaglut (Floribunda, 120 cm high x 120 cm wide)
Remarkably heat- and cold-tolerant for a red rose, 'Lavaglut' has been known to survive winters to -35ºC in Estonia but has also been recorded blooming at 42ºC in California and Texas. The American Rose Society gives it a very high rating for its pest and disease resistance as well as for the fact that its large, velvety flowers last well, even in high heat. 'Lavaglut' is also marketed under the names 'Lavaglow' and 'Intrigue'. It's generally hardy to Zone 4 with protection.
7. Sunsprite (Floribunda, 60 cm high x 60 cm wide)
'Sunsprite' is outstanding among modern hybrids for both its fragrance and, for a yellow rose, its hardiness and disease resistance. The Kordes family, who bred it, call it 'Friesia', a name that sometimes appears in catalogues, too. It blooms in profusion throughout the season, though its cousin 'Sun Flare' is often used in places where summers get hot since 'Sunsprite' prefers cooler climes. It's hardy to Zone 5 with protection.
8. Grusse an Aachen (Floribunda, 75 cm high x 45 cm wide)
Long unclassified, 'Grusse an Aachen', which means "Greetings to Aachen," is a precursor to David Austin's popular English roses. It's also regarded as the first floribunda (large clusters of ever-blooming flowers) and one of the world's current favourite garden roses. The blossoms, up to 10 centimetres across, open creamy white, then shift to salmon. Spring and fall produce big flushes against dark green foliage, but flowers appear throughout the season, sweetly but subtly fragrant. Fungus-resistant and hardy to -15ºC (Zone 5), it blooms with as little as four to five hours of direct sun daily.
9. Stanwell Perpetual (Old garden rose, 150 cm high x 180 cm wide)*
The oldest rose listed here, 'Stanwell Perpetual' has enchanted garden visitors for more than 160 years, especially in spring, when its blossoms all but smother the bush. A great hedging rose with lots of thorns, it has a rich scent in flower; even its leaves are scented, smelling of dill when wet. Flushes of bloom repeat through October. Hardy to Zone 3, it withstands frosts to -25ºC. It may attract beetles and black spot but is generally trouble-free.
10. Zéphirine Drouhin (Bourbon, climber, up to 2 m in height)
With its almost thornless canes and climbing habit, this is the best rose for growing on pergolas and trellis gates, where skin or fabrics might brush against a plant. These structures are also ideal for showcasing its fine fragrance. ‘Zéphirine Drouhin' has major flushes of bloom in spring and fall, with smaller ones between. It's slightly susceptible to mildew and black spot. Though it's hardy in Canada to Zone 6, wrap climbing canes in burlap for winter unless they're very well sheltered.
Shopping tips: Buy Canadian; Canadian growers use hardier rootstock. If possible shop in person and choose the healthiest plants. Plant so the graft to the rootstock is at least five centimetres below soil level – not above it, as English and American gardening books recommend. After hard winters, prune away deadwood.
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