Canadian Hardy Roses

Explorer roses have become famous Canadian exports and are found in gardens throughout the world. The Explorer breeding program was begun in 1961 at Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm by plant geneticist Dr. Felicitas Svejda of Agriculture Canada. Dr. Szvejda’s aim was to breed roses that would be tough, hardy and floriferous. Another series of Canadian Roses developed at Agriculture Canada's Morden Manitoba Research station. These are specifically bred for Canadian Prairie conditions and are crosses between the native prairie rose (Rosa Arkansana) and floribunda and hybrid tea roses. The result -- small to medium bushes covered with double to semi double flowers in spring and intermittent flowering thruout the rest of the season.