Easiest Roses to Grow in New England

Growing roses in New England can be tricky due to the often unpredictable weather that this region is known for. Roses that are strong and planted properly, however, can be surprisingly low maintenance once they are established. Here are the three easiest types of roses to grow in New England, all of which are hardy enough to survive — and even thrive — in our sometimes harsh climate. You’ll also find simple instructions for getting these New England roses to grow into healthy bushes that provide years of enjoyment.

Easiest Roses to Grow in New England

Beach Roses (Rosa rugosa)

Beach roses are fast-growing bushes that spread quickly and are covered with continually blooming pink or white flowers. They thrive in almost all soil types — from sandy beaches to roadside fences. Once planted, beach roses require very little attention, making them one of the easiest types of roses to grow anywhere.

Climbing Roses

A trellis hanging heavy with fragrant roses is a breathtaking and romantic sight, and one that has been seen in New England gardens for centuries. There are dozens of climbing roses to choose from. Consult your local nursery for available options.

Tea Roses

Originally hybrids from China, these roses have evolved and have been successfully cultivated in northeastern gardens for many years, though they may require wood-framed protection in the winter. They are larger than most climbing roses and are very fragrant. Traditionally found in shades of pink and yellow, they are also available in white and red.

Guide to Planting Roses

Supplies for Planting Roses

• Shovel
• Bucket
• Hose or watering can
• Spade
• Rose bush
• Bone meal
• Aged cow manure
• Peat
• Potting soil
• Mulch

Soil Recipe

Mix together equal amounts (approximately 1/2 cup of each for a medium to large size bush — less for smaller plants) of peat, composted cow manure, bone meal, and potting soil.

Instructions for Planting Roses

1. Prepare ahead of time a mixture of equal parts peat, composted cow manure, bone meal, and potting soil. (See above recipe.)
2. Choose a sunny location and dig a hole that is double the width and depth of the root ball.
3. Gently remove the rose plant from the container and loosen the root ball.
4. Place the rose plant in the hole so that the entire root ball is evenly standing underground. The top of the root ball should be flush to the top of the ground.
5. Sprinkle the mixture of bone meal, soil, manure, and peat into the hole around the shrub and fill the remaining space with clean, rich soil. Cover the top of the root ball with approximately 2 inches of soil, being careful to ensure that the stem or stalk of the plant is not covered with dirt.
6. Spread a few inches of mulch around the plant and water thoroughly every few days.
7. To increase and encourage new rose bud growth, snip off weak, faded, and past-peak blooms as they appear.
8. In the fall, be sure to mulch deeply. Alternatively, wrap fragile shrubs in burlap or cover with a wooden pitched box to protect them from heavy snow and ice — unless, of course, they are beach roses; these bushes are hardy and can survive just about anything.

If you’re looking for types of roses that will thrive in your zone, you can’t go wrong with these three easy roses. Let us know in the comments what your favorite roses to grow in New England are! This post was first published in 2013 and has been updated. 

SEE MORE:

Foolproof Roses | Winter-Hardy Varieties

Roses | Advice from Gardener Suzy Verrier

A Rose Glossary