Question
QUESTION: I was reading a old post from 2009 where the person wanted all white roses to plant near ocean that would tolerate ocean winter wind and spray.  I am actually looking for roses any colors that would tolerate these conditions and are disease resistant/free and preferably fragrant.  So I thought I would ask if you had any others to add to the white rose list.  

Thanks in advance for your expertise.

ANSWER: Sorry for the delay, computer problems. It would help me make a more informed list of roses if you could tell me just how close to the ocean your garden is. My garden is about one block from the sea and I get spray off the sea as well as gale force winds and I have over 800 roses and most of them doing well. There will many that should do well for you.

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QUESTION: Actually, the house I am renting is waterfront----sitting up higher than, but about about 80 feet from highest tide line.  Although we are not sitting on the open ocean, we are not far.  Winter wind and storms are a common occurrence.   I live near Victoria, British Columbia.  After a sad  marital separation, I am trying to find the happiness that I once felt in gardening.  I used to have many pots and gardens of roses, but I also used to spray.  I have started by buying a Hansa rugosa rose.

Thanks again for your advice.

Answer
I know Victoria very well as I was born there and also lived on the ocean there too. As you already know, the Rugosas are always a good choice but they can be a problem in that they will sucker badly. There are a few really nice hybrid Rugosas that might do well for you and have more attractive blooms.  Wild Spice is a single icy white wit large red hips. Rugelda is a double yellow edged soft red and grows tall but no hips. Golden Wings is a large single soft yellow Pimpinellifolia which always has flowers on it. The Hybrid Musk Felicia has shaded double pink with creamy and pale yellow. Don't forget about the older garden roses such as the Centifolias, Gallicas and Damasks. Ramblers don't complain about the sea winds and Albertine is a good one. Modern shrubs are another class to look into. If you are a gardener, then don't get stuck on the myth, "if you garden by the sea you can only grow Rugosas" Just bear in mind that none of these roses are going to be their normal large size. I find in my garden, the salt keeps them lower. When you water make sure you wash the bushes well to get rid of the dust and salt.  Pickering Nursery in Ontario has a good selection and Palatine Roses also in Ontario, carries mainly Kordes hybrid teas and climbers, which if selected carefully, should also so well for you. Brentwood Bay Nursery carries some interesting roses, and Cathy is the one to ask about what will do well. Just say Lynnette sent you. I could send you my photos of these roses if you will trust me with your email address. Make sure if you send it to me that your question is marked private so no one sees it. Hope this helps.