Any detailed information that your friend might desire about them is available in a couple of government publications, that may still be in print:

Winter-hardy Roses: Explorer and Parkland Series; Agriculture and Agri-food Canada Publication 1922/E; 1996; a version of this that included the 'Prairie' series was still in print as late as 2004; and,

Winter-hardy Roses from Agriculture Canada; Agriculture Canada Publication 1891/E

Also see:
http://www.canadianrosesociety.org/hardyroses/crs_hardy.html#explorer

http://www.agr.gc.ca/cb/index_e.php?s1=tip-puce&s2=2003&page=03

(Note the copyright information.)

Hope this helps.

Do you know if the 'Canadian Artist' series roses now available commercially?

Lori

Here is a link that might be useful: Agriculture Canada library link

Hello Marina,
The "Old Rose Nursery" has the Canadian hardiness zones for many of the roses he offers.
The Canadian hardiness zones differ a bit from the USDA hardiness zones.

http://www.oldrosenursery.com/availability.htm

I am in the Canadian zone 3b.

"John Cabot" has been in itÂs rather shady location for a number of years now and has performed well enough.

"Morden Sunrise" is new to me this year. I have been advised that without protection it dies back to the ground each winter. I have been very pleased with itÂs performance so far.

I have "Morden Ruby" but am thinking of removing it. The blooms on "Morden Ruby" tend to rot in damp weather. The bush itself has been very vigorous.

If you wish to use any of my poor efforts at photography they can be found at the link.

Ian

Here is a link that might be useful: Roses for Marina

Thank you Lori and Ian for your help. Useful information and very nice pictures.
Thanks very much again.
Marina

I have tested almost all in Explorer and Parkland series -and they all perform very well in my cold climat.
Umeå and Luleå are nearest big towns.
I live 400 km south of polar circle.
-35 for long periods is not uncommon

The Parkland are a bit more sensitive to cold.
I recommend them all!
All my roses are on their own root.
K
North of Sweden

Kerstin, thanks a lot! That's a good piece of information.
Thank you! Marina