Roses in New York

Red Hedge Rose. a beautiful red rose in the gardener's hand.
PhotoJuli86/Shutterstock.com

Written by Larissa Smith

Updated: August 23, 2023

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Growing roses in New York is possible with these hardy rose species and varieties!

The rose is the state flower of New York state. In 1890, legislators asked the schoolchildren of New York to vote for the state flower. However, for several reasons, it was only in 1955 that the rose officially became the state’s flower.

New York State’s overall climate results in the state’s span into nine planting zones from 3b to 7b. This wide range across hardiness zones allows for the successful production of various rose cultivars and hybrids in many counties in the state.

1. Rugosa Rose (Rosa rugosa)

The rugosa rose, also called the Japanese rose, is native to Asia, particularly Northern China, Korea, and Japan. These roses grow well in hardiness zones 2 to 7, which means that they will thrive throughout the state of New York.

This shrub-type rose grows in abundance along the coast and inland. Rugosa rose bushes are easy to grow and thrive comfortably in poor conditions. They proudly display their abundant pink-to-white blossoms with bright yellow stamens that repeatedly continue to bud during the flowering season.

The rugosa rose bush can grow 4-6 feet tall with the same spread with a rounded growth habit. They develop dense thickets and 5-9 thick, wrinkled, dark green leaflets. The intense, welcoming fragrance and beautiful flowers will become a joy year after year.

The Rugosa Rose is one of the hardiest roses available today.

The rugosa rose is one of the hardiest roses available today.

2. White Meidiland (Rosa ‘MELcoublan’)

The white Meidiland rose (Rosa ‘MELCoublan’) is a hybrid tea rose created by the House of Meilland in France. This type of rose is very hardy and will grow well in plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, and they will grow comfortably in all counties in New York state except in those counties in zone 2 and 3 where the temperatures are too low.

If you position this plant in full sun and well-drained soil, you will delight in the exuberance of this beautiful ground cover rose. Even if the white Meidiland rose plant seems to be dying down in winter, it will grow back with gusto in springtime.

A dazzling display of clustered white blooms and dark shiny leaves is enough to mesmerize any flower lover. This groundcover rose plant spreads 3-5 feet wide but only grows 1-2 feet tall, which gives the whole area the appearance of snowflakes strewn in a flower bed.

                    Beautiful white meidiland rose to bloom in the garden in spring-summer.

The white Meidiland rose creates a luscious ground cover of white roses.

3. Peace Rose (Rosa ‘Madame A. Meilland’)

French horticulturist Francis Meilland hybridized the Peace Rose (Rosa‘ Madame A. Meilland’) in the late 1930s. This cultivar was released in 1945, just as World War II was coming to an end. The rose was named ‘Madame A. Meilland’ after his mother, but it became known as ‘Peace Rose’ in the United States, where Robert Pyle introduced the cultivar to the public in New Jersey.

The peace rose grows well in hardiness zones 5-9, meaning New York State counties in planting zones 3-4 will not have unsuitable conditions for growing this cultivar.

The peace rose is a favorite for its large, fragrant flowers with eye-catching colors in a cream, yellow and pink blend with a subtle blush of coral pink at the petal ends. These characteristics make these roses loved for gardens, and they are a total delight as cut flowers due to their long, sturdy stems.

A closeup of the vibrant orange-pink Peace rose, a hybrid tea rose

The peace rose is a fragrant bush rose with delicate blushing pink with yellow hue blooms.

4. Ebb Tide Rose (Rosa ‘WEKsmopur’)

The ebb tide rose is a floribunda-type rose hybridized by Tom Carruth in the United States in 2004. They successfully grow in hardiness zones 5 to 9, which means this cultivar will thrive in many New York counties.

The unique deep purple blooms and exotic warm and spicy fragrances make the ebb tide rose a highly desirable and popular addition to any garden or flower bouquet. In addition to the scent and color, this rose is also disease resistant and hardy, with a striking display of repeat blooming throughout the flowering season proudly displayed on its tall stems.

The ebb tide rose deciduous shrub grows 4 feet tall with a 4-foot spread. With an upright spreading growth habit and stunning flowers, you can add texture and a pop of color to your garden.

Ebb Tide

The ebb tide rose has rich purple petals and a citrus-clove scent.

5. Home Run Shrub Rose (Rosa ‘Wekcisbako’)

Tom Carruth bred the home run shrub rose in the United States in 2001 and introduced them to the public in 2006. Unfortunately, the climatic conditions in planting zone 3 will be too harsh for the home run rose shrub, but this hybrid fares well in many other New York counties (zones 4-7).

Continuous blooming throughout the growing season makes the home run rose ideal for a low front stage position to complement taller flowers in the garden beds. The velvet-like flame-red or pink flowers provide a delicate appearance against the backdrop of the dark green leaves.

The home run rose grows 3-4 feet tall with a rounded and full growth habit. The fact that this rose has so few petals does not detract from its lively appearance in landscapes or blushing flower bouquets.

Close-up of a beautiful pink home run rose, toned a warm yellow.

The home run rose develops delightful flowers that provide a delicate appearance against the backdrop of the dark green leaves.

6. Champlain Shrub Rose (Rosa ‘Champlain’)

The Canadian rose breeder, Dr. Felicitas Svejda, hybridized the Champlain Shrub Rose in 1982. The rose got named after the French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who founded the city of Quebec. Champlain shrub rose (Rosa ‘Champlain’) is suitable for cultivating in hardiness zones 3 to 8, meaning it will thrive throughout New York.

They are striking deep pink complex flowers in an imposing 3-foot high and wide that project an image of courage and determination for the early French explorers. There are around 35 bright red or pink petals whose color will deepen near the tips.

This thorny shrub blooms in late spring and will grow wonderfully in full sun. In addition, the Champlin rose shrubs fit well in small cottage gardens, and landscapers plant these shrubs as decorative hedges.

A dense thicket of red, champlain roses peek through a black, wrought iron fence.

The Champlain shrub rose has striking deep pink double flowers to remind us of the courageous French explorers.

7. Iceberg Floribunda Rose (Rosa ‘KORbin’)

The iceberg rose is one of the most popular rose varieties in the world. Iceberg floribunda rose originated in Germany and was bred by Reimer Kordes in 1958. This rose will grow well in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5-9.

If you’re looking for an abundance of long-lasting white roses from late spring until the frost starts, the iceberg rose is the answer. The flowers are soft and round, containing 30-40 petals, and the stems have glossy, light green leaves.

The iceberg rose is such a vigorous grower it can easily reach heights of 4-6 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. The versatility of this rose makes it suitable for a garden border and mixed perennial bed. Rosa ‘KORbin’ will also grow well as a container plant.

The perfect Award Winning Iceburg rose Bouquet On Black

The iceberg rose will grow an abundance of soft, white flowers.

8. Frida Kahlo Rose (Rosa ‘WEKcifrabaun’)

The flamboyant Frida Kahlo rose is a hybrid rose created by renowned rose breeder Carruth in the United States in 2017. The inspiration for the rose originated from the life and art of Frida Kahlo, a famous Mexican artist.

Kahlo was known for her vibrant use of color, and the bold combined orange-red hue of the Frida Kahlo rose bush pays tribute to her work. In addition, the hardy Frida Kahlo rose will grow in planting zones 4-10 and flourish across New York.

The flow of vibrant warm color on every bloom makes the Frida Kahlo rose a definite head-turner. During the flowering season from early spring to fall, the unique striped combination of red, orange, and yellow provides a bold appearance. The delightful fragrance makes it a popular choice for adding color and beauty to gardens, landscapes, and floral arrangements.

Multicolor petal rose - Frida Kahlo Floribunda Rose

The vivid colors of the Frida Kahlo rose are inspired by the life and works of the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.

9. Golden Shower Rose (Rosa ‘Golden Rose’)

The golden shower rose (Rosa ‘Golden Rose’) is a climbing rose bred in 1956 in the USA by Dr. Walter Lammerts. Golden Shower Roses will flourish in New York counties with planting zones 5 through 7.

They feature delicate yellow blooms, which gradually fade to a paler cream color and dark green foliage. It is a climbing rose that’s ideal for adorning doorways or arches. The golden shower rose will add elegance to its environment and put a smile on its admirers.

This stunning climbing rose can grow to 10 feet tall and 3-6 feet wide. They will grow fast and lusciously from fall to summer. Unfortunately, golden shower roses don’t twine. Therefore, you must secure them to a trellis or fence with a stretchy material and watch them thrive!

Golden Showers Roses Bush

The golden shower rose is a climbing rose with blissful yellow flowers.

Final Thoughts

Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world, and for a good reason. They’re gorgeous, fragrant, and romantic. You can find them in nearly every color of the rainbow, and they come in various heights. You might think New York is too cold to grow roses but think again. There are amazing cold hardy roses that will thrive in your garden.

You can see a wide variety of roses, whether it be shrubs, bushes, ground covers, or climbers statewide. It’s no wonder that the rose is the flower symbol of the state. So, next time you travel through New York, take the time to admire and smell the roses.


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About the Author

Larissa Smith is a writer for A-Z Animals with years of experience in plant care and wildlife. After years spent in the South African bush while studying Nature Conservation, she found her way to writing about animals and plants in her work. She hopes to inspire others to appreciate and care for the precious world around them. Larissa lives in Florida with her two sons, a miniature golden retriever named Pupples, and a colorful succulent garden. In her spare time, she is tending to her garden, adventuring with her kids, and hosting “Real Housewives” watch parties with her friends.

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