Been wondering myself.

As a consolation, I'm going to pick up a Ramblin' Red and see how that does.

I got one from a mail order 2 years ago and it didn't even grow so I can't advise you about winterkill. My Grandma used to grow the "pre-improvement" Blaze on a south wall microclimate in Winnipeg and it had some dieback but the canes would reach about 5-6 feet every summer. It bloomed really well. The neighbours were always commenting how beautiful it was. It lasted several years (like more than 10 I believe) but one winter she finally lost it.

In my experience the only truly 100% cane hardy climber in zone 2 is Polstjarnan (Pole Star), with Billy Baffin close behind. John Davis is very hardy for me too but mine seems to prefer being a shrub and hasn't grown tall.

I have been meaning to try Ramblin Red too. I am skeptical but it looks to be worth a try.

thanks northspruce and shazam. sorry didn't get back earlier but have been away. Ramblin Red - is it supposed to be hardier that blaze improved?

Ramblin' Red is derived from Henry Kelsey and is supposed to be hardier than it, if you believe the marketing hype.