Thinking about growing roses? How about roses that are winter hardy, disease resistant, have a full range of colors, repeat their  blooms, are fragrant, can be used as hedges, as  climbers or stay compact. Also, since they are so tough and independent they would prefer not to be sprayed.

Roses like this do exist and come from Canada. These explorer roses generally fall into two categories: either Rosa rugosa hybrids or hybrids that use Rosa kordesii. The Rosa kordesii crosses can grow into very vigorous shrubs and can be used as climbers. These roses are listed as the "Canadian explorer series". They were so named by their breeders in the hope that they would bring the same toughness and hardiness as their namesakes. Here are some of these explorers that I have grown with some success:

Martin Forbisher- 5x4, blush pink(strawberry), semi-double, clean foliage. Has an open habit but does not finish it's blooms well. Probably my favorite.

Jens Munk-5x5 ,a Rugosa hybrid, medium pink, semi-double, very fragrant

Henry Hudson-- 4x3, white ,semi-double, compact plant, does not finish well, fragrant. Unfortunately the beetles love this guy

William Baffin--bright pink, semi-double, very vigorous and hardy. Needs to be fed well to perform at his best. Can be used as a climber.

Henry Kelsey--Kordesii hybrid. Dark red semi-double flowers. A climber. Good bloomer.