Roses for exposed locations

The bonus in growing roses in exposed and windy locations is that they are much less likely to suffer from mildew and black spot, both of which thrive where there’s poor air circulation.  However, the lack of a dense and fibrous root system makes roses susceptible to wind rock. The rose moves in the wind and becomes unstable, damaging the plant and the flowers.

The wind can also damage the blossoms, especially large, soft petalled roses.

If you have a windy site, choose strong growing, short, and stocky plants wherever possible, with smaller flowers.  

Compact patio roses work well such as Sweet Memories

If you simply can’t live within a good shrub or floribunda rose, then be sure to stake the rose well and prune in Autumn to reduce the risk of wind rock.

Climbers and ramblers are also worth a try, as they are generally tied into their supports. Consider   Zephrine Drouhin –  a beautiful old rose with very few thorns, so less painful to tie into the support.