The last few years my desire to acquire more roses has waned due to my terrible Japanese Beetle infestation.
I have shovel pruned all of my slacker roses. Those who've survived my spartan, rural rose growing conditions have been mainly Rugosa's, Rambler's, Alba's and several Old Garden Roses.
They have flourished, some growing into monster shrubs.
I'm zone 5 but might as well be zone 4 since I'm in a low lying area and we can get down to 30 below zero
but the above mentioned varieties have done the best for me.
I absolutely love David Austin roses and have grow a lot of them but many did not do well for me.
These varieties have remained standing and are doing well growing well for several years now and would be worthy of consideration for those having problems growing English roses in cold climates.
Constance Spry
Heritage
William Shakespeare 2000
Cressida (might be out of commerce)
St. Cecilia
Geoff Hamilton
James Galway
The Dark Lady
David Austin Photos: (mine are all on my old computer)
Constance Spry - OUTSTANDING!
Heritage
The Dark Lady
James Galway
Geoff Hamilton
WS 2000
St. Cecilia