Sub-Zero Rose Information
When I first heard the term “Sub-Zero” roses, it brought to mind those developed by Dr. Griffith Buck. His roses grow in many rose beds today and very hardy choices for cold climates. One of Dr. Buck’s main goals was to breed roses that could survive harsh cold winter climates, which he achieved. Some of his more popular Buck roses are:
Distant Drums Lobelle Prairie Princess Pearlie Mae Applejack Quietness Summer Honey
There were frustrating failures before success was finally accomplished, resulting in some of the Brownell family roses that are still available today, including:
Nearly Wild Break O’ Day Lafter Shades of Autumn Charlotte Brownell Brownell Yellow Rambler Dr. Brownell Pillar/climbing roses – Rhode Island Red, White Cap, Golden Arctic, and Scarlet Sensation
Sub-Zero Rose Care in Winter
Many of those selling the Brownell sub-zero roses for cold climates claim that they are hardy to zone 3, but they still require good winter protection. Sub-zero roses are typically hardy from –15 to -20 degrees F. (-26 to -29 C.) without protection and -25 to –30 degrees F. (-32 to -1 C.) with minimal to moderate protection. Thus, in zones 5 and below, these rose bushes will need winter protection. These are indeed very hardy roses, as I have grown Nearly Wild and can attest to the hardiness. A cold climate rose bed, or any rose bed for that matter, with Brownell roses or some of the Buck roses mentioned earlier would not only be hardy, disease resistant, and eye-catching roses, but offer historical significance as well.
