Planting a rose garden in zone 3 takes careful consideration from choosing the right variety that will thrive in our finicky climate to the optimal depth for bare roots to over-winter care.
CHOOSING A PLANT
Consider bare root plants with 2-3 canes which will establish better in our short growing season. Generally, shrub roses are most adaptable to our zone (zone 3). Alternatively, start miniature roses from seed. They will take several years before blooming but are wonderful for those with small spaces.
PLANTING
Choose a sunny spot that is protected from the wind and drains well. Dig deep! Roses need to be planted at least 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) deep. Fill the bottom of the hole with calcium and magnesium rich compost (banana peels, for example) and work 1 cup of bone meal into the soil per plant. Allow this mixture to rest for a week before planting. Place roots in hole, cover with soil and water. Greenhouse grown roses in pots that are not dormant require more careful handling but should be planted similarly. If rose is grafted, plant union below the surface of the soil.
CARE
Roses require plenty of water. Early mornings or late at nights are the best times for watering so as to not burn leaves. Each year, refresh soil with a new layer of compost or worm castings. While deadheading spent blooms is recommended, hips which contain high levels of vitamin C and can be made into jams, will not form.
FALL & WINTER
Mulch will help tremendously providing insulation to roots and protection from temperature extremes. Use wood chips or straw or leaves secured with burlap that has been weighted down. If roses have been planted in pots, bury the entire pot in the ground leaving canes exposed above ground. Throughout the winter, shovel snow onto plants, especially when they are situated in a protected area. If you do not have access to ground soil because you live in an apartment for example, cover the pot and plant in several layers of felt or burlap. When spring arrives, clear any mulch as it may lead to rot.
Fragrant Varieties
Blanc Double de Coubert: incredibly fragrant white blooms give way to burnt orange hips.
Roseraie de l’Hay: magenta semi double flower with strong scent and repeat flowering.
Sarah Van Fleet: late blooming, fragrant, thorny but requires extra cover over winter.
FOR HIPS
Fru Dagmar Hastrup: resembling a larger version of the Alberta rose the single pink petals become hips which can be harvested after the first frost.
William Lobb: tall, old moss rose; flowers in mid-summer.
Glauca: petals display an ombre effect becoming bright pink at edges contrasting with the dark bluish green foliage.
Canadian Bred Beauties
Therese Bugnet: gorgeous folded petals and fragrance from this Alberta hybrid.
Morden Centennial: developed in Canada, this lightly scented rose is compact and produces abundant blooms.
Jens Munk: a compact disease resistant Rugosa hybrid with a rich scent.
This original article first appeared in the Spring 2024 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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