Not considered an official class, the English roses have become very popular through the work of breeder David Austin. English roses are meant to combine old rose style and scent with modern rose habit and rebloom. All of this comes at the expense of the typical hardiness and disease resistance one would find in the "old roses." USDA zones 5B-6 seem to be the limit for many of these introductions. However, with proper siting and winter protection you may get away with planting in colder zones. Many of the varieties offered tend to look more like hybrid teas in growth habit than old garden roses. This is why Austin suggests grouping 2 to 3 plants on 18-inch centers for the full old rose bush look. A site with light shade coming in the mid-afternoon helps blooms to retain their fresh look longer.