What are good roses to grow in this area?
I've been living in the York PA area for the last three years and am now very interested in creating my little garden. I came across your webpage and thought to check about ideal varieties of roses that can thrive to grow perennial(at least for few years) given the extreme temperatures. I am very keen to grow roses but I am not sure which variety should I start with that is resilient and can bloom well in this zone. I particularly have liked a variety named Princess Charlene of Monaco garden rose. It would be nice to know how should it be sourced and steps to grow it. Any link that I may access further to read about this.
Answer
Rose 'Princess Charlene' is lovely however, it is a hybrid tea rose. This type of rose is very prone to disease. So I suggest you start with something simpler, although they aren't particularly good as cut roses. A popular type is called 'Knock Out' that is available in a few colors, and readily available in nurseries, It is hardy, relatively disease resistant, and long blooming. You'll find a source by Googling Knock Out Rose or by contacting a local garden center. Be sure to give them the correct cultural conditions that you will find on the internet, water only from the bottom, and collect any dropped leaves that might carry diseases and insect eggs. Prune only after growing at least 2 growing seasons. They do best with at least 7 hours of sun. ep