Question
Hihi - I have a question regarding rose varieties and climate. I live in northern New Mexico, about 7000 ft above sea level in a rather dry environment. I would like to plant some roses around my house - but I do not know what varieties would be best for my climate here. Basically, in the summer it gets very hot and dry - pine trees do the best around here. I water my plants, but some just seem to be unsuited for this environment. In the winter the temperatures usually do not go below 18F. In summer they usually do not go above 90F. Temperature varies a great lot from day to night even in summer. Dryness is common - I can water the soil, but I can do nothing for the low humidity. Any advice of the varieties of roses that would do ok here would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
-Val

Answer
Roses come in different classifications and some come from a country that is very hot and dry and those roses always do better in the dryness than one from say Europe. So Noisettes, Chinas, Rugosas and Pimpinellifolias are ideal. Also some of the species roses from warm climates would be happy in your garden. If you need any names or where to get them, just let me know.
I have an area in my garden which is very dry and here are some tidbits of garden wisdom that I have learned. Using a mulch is the most important thing you can do. It keeps roots cool and stops the water from evaporating. The three shrubs or trees that do bet for me are Pines naturally, Arbutus unedo ( has white flowers and then red fruits the size of a ping pong ball) and The Portugal Laurel which is happy in a dry condition.
For the perennials you can't beat the annual poppies like the Shirley ones. Achilleas, malvas, lavenders especially French and Spanish types, carnations and daylilies don't complain. Even tulips( especially the small species type) because they grow wild in Iran, are okay. Even the smaller iris and even the bigger bearded type seems not to mind. Blues and yellows irises do the best in my garden. Hope this helps. Lynnette