Question
I have tried unsuccessfully to grow roses here in North Dakota for several years. We have great starts, but they usually die overwinter.  Is there something I should be doing to minimize this risk? All the nurseries around here advertise their stock as "hardy"-- are there varieties that I should be looking for?

thanks   kathy

Answer
The main problem with plants in your area is the spring temperatures that fluctuate. Once the weather is cold the roses are fine. When the temperature starts to get warm this activates the rose and it starts to put the sap up the canes. Then it get cold again and the canes get frozen and die. So the secret to growing roses in areas that have very cold winters, is to only plant bare root roses and those that will tolerate the cold without a lot of protection. If they are grafted then you will probably have a lot of dieback and the plant may not recover. Here area few rules for getting roses through the winter.
Always plant bare root roses with a cup of bonemeal in the hole to make strong roots.
Purse the plants from a nursery that specializes in roses.
Don't fertilize after the end of July to give the rose time to harden off it's canes to go through the winter.
Give the plant half a cup of bonemeal on August 1 st.
Around the middle of October, cut the plants back to 12 inches and tie the canes up so they won't rub against each other in the winter winds.
Take some soil from another part of the garden, and mix with marsh hay or compost or leaves or just soil alone, and mound it up to the top of the canes. Some gardeners also make s wire mesh cage around the rose and then fill that up with leaves or hay.
Around mid April, uncover the rose, cut any dead parts off.
Wait until all chance of a killing frost is over and then fertilize so the new growth won't get nipped.
Here is a list of roses if they are on their own roots that will do well in your area. Please keep in mind that these are the roses I like. I like the flower to be attractive and not look like it is having a bad hair day! Those marked * will die back a lot but will recover very well and bloom. Nearly Wild...single rose pink
Jens Munk...semi double rose pink
Henry Hudson...single white, red buds
Pavement Series...a bit messy but very hardy
Hunter...double red
Rosaraie de l'Hay...semi double carmine, fragrant
Therese Bugnet...double pink
Standwell Perpetual...double blush pink
*Ballerina...many small single pink and white flowers
*Belle Amour...double pink, very fragrant
*Bonica...loads of semi double flowers
*Chuckles...semi double pink, very fragrant
Common Moss...very double pale pink, very fragrant
Henri Martin...double carmine red, fragrant
Hawkeye Belle...hybrid tea shape pale pink
Konigin von Danemark...double two tone pink, very fragrant
Prairie Princess...semi double rose pink
Tuscany Superb...semi double seep, rich red, very fragrant
The Fairy...many small double flesh pink flowers
John Davis...double soft pink climber, grows to 6 feet
William Baffin...semi double strawberry pink climber, 8 feet
It would be nice if one could grow hybrid teas or even floribundas, but they take a lot of trouble to get through the winter and most won't make it or will limp along the next season. A rose must be healthy to survive. Hope this helps. Lynnette