Discover 5 Beautiful Roses You Can Grow in Wyoming

Written by Cindy Rasmussen
Updated: August 23, 2023
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As the temperatures start to climb into the 50s and 60s, it is time to start uncovering your roses and prepping your garden for the upcoming season. While Wyoming can experience some harsh weather, that should not deter you from trying to maintain a beautiful rose garden. A variety of roses will not only “survive” in Wyoming but “thrive” year after year. Read on to discover five beautiful roses you can grow in Wyoming!

What Kind of Roses Can Be Grown in Wyoming?

Considering Wyoming’s climate and elevation, you will want to consider growing more hardy roses. Looking at roses that are Modern Garden Roses, there are areas where hybrid tea roses can grow (southern Wyoming and at lower elevations), but the kind of roses that do the best in greater Wyoming is the more robust floribunda. Floribunda roses do not have as large blooms, but there are more per stem. There is the same variation in colors, and they bloom continuously throughout the season.

Wild roses can also grow in Wyoming with at least four wild rose species. Wild roses that can be grown in Wyoming include Wood’s roses (the most common), prairie rose, prickly rose and Nootka rose. Bushes of wild roses can be added to your garden and can be found in the wild in wooded areas with adequate sunlight.

What Growing Zone Is Wyoming in?

There is a range of growing zones in Wyoming. Wyoming’s climate and elevation vary throughout the state, but you can generally count on a cool winter with an average of 115 days between the last and first frost. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone for Wyoming ranges from 3-6. Cheyenne, for example, is rated in the 5 zone. Northern Wyoming and some of the higher elevations have zones in the 4’s and 3’s. In general, roses planted in Wyoming do better if they are at zone 4 or lower.

What Are 5 Beautiful Roses You Can Grow in Wyoming?

1. Europeana Roses (Floribunda)

One of the most beautiful roses that can grow in Wyoming is the Europeana Rose which is a type of floribunda. Again, these rose bushes are hardier and bloom throughout the season. They will require to be covered over the winter, making sure to get them covered in the fall before the first frost. Imagine a summer full of double-blooms that blossom in bright red and last longer than other roses. Although they are not as fragrant as a hybrid tea rose, they have an elegant smell. They average 25-30 petals each and can reach heights of 2-3 feet. These make a nice border rose bush or one that stands out with a line of hedges in the background.

Beatiful Europeana Rose with bright red flowers.

©Gonzalo de Miceu/Shutterstock.com

2. Strike It Rich Roses (Floribunda)

Another stunning floribunda is the Strike It Rich Rose. These blooms are peachy colored with a faint rosy pink edging. Beautifully accented by the dark green leaves that make the buds pop! These tend to get a little bigger, with around 30 petals per flower and a plant size of 5-6 feet. The stems are long and actually have a reddish hue. One of the excellent characteristics of the Strike it Rich Rose is its disease resistance. Not only are these hardy rose bushes that can make it through a Wyoming winter but there is not a lot of upkeep in preventing diseases.

One of the excellent characteristics of the Strike it Rich Rose is its disease resistance.

©Jonathan Lenz/Shutterstock.com

3. Canadian Roses

You can imagine that the climate in Canada is even harsher than in Wyoming! That is why Canadian Roses are an excellent choice for growing in Wyoming. Most Canadian Roses are rated for zone 4 or lower, making them more resistant to a more extended winter. The “Explorer Series” is a favorite for gardeners due to the low maintenance of this species. These roses are beautiful and easy to take care of. They don’t require extra spraying for disease or insects (usually) and can grow to be 6-10 feet tall. They can range in color from deep red to reddish pink to a white with pink edging. An excellent addition to any rose garden!

Shrub of pink Canadian rose variety Prairie Joy blooming in the summer garden.

Since Canadian winters are even harsher than Wyoming’s, Canadian Roses are an excellent choice for growing in Wyoming.

©Mary_AMM/Shutterstock.com

4. Knockout Roses

Knockout roses boast they have the “most flower power of any shrub on the market.” They are easy to grow and easy to maintain year after year of beautiful blooms. Sounds appealing, but can these withstand the long chilly winters, especially in northern Wyoming? Yes! Since they were developed in Wisconsin, where you know they have some frigid winters, they can withstand the cooler temps that Wyoming sees.

You will want to cut them back in the spring to maximize their growth throughout the season, but they are hardy and beautiful. They come in various colors, from a delicate white with a fading yellow center to a brisk orange that stands out against the dark green leaves! Some rose bushes seem to have their blooms all spread out, but with Knockout Roses, there is bloom after bloom after bloom!

Double knockout roses have some of the most sought-after blooms on the market today.

Knockout Roses have some of the most sought-after blooms on the market today.

©JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock.com

5. David Austin Roses

These beautiful roses originated in England in the 1960s as a cross between modern garden roses and old garden roses. There are actually 200 varieties of David Austin Roses. Some of the most popular ones to grow in Wyoming are the Crown Princess Margareta, Winchester Cathedral, and Mary. These beautiful blooms come in a variety of colors that can be paired with other rose species for a varied look. David Austin Roses also have an “Easy Care Collection” and “Climbing and Rambling Roses,” depending on the look you hope to achieve. Many of the varieties do very well in the winter, so they are a good fit for growing roses in Wyoming.

Lady of Shallot Rose against green bushes background

Many of the David Austin Rose varieties do very well in the winter, so they are a good fit for Wyoming.

©ChetnaC/Shutterstock.com

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Joe Kuis/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

I'm a Wildlife Conservation Author and Journalist, raising awareness about conservation by teaching others about the amazing animals we share the planet with. I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Morris with a degree in Elementary Education and I am a former teacher. When I am not writing I love going to my kids' soccer games, watching movies, taking on DIY projects and running with our giant Labradoodle "Tango".

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