I live right in between zones 5 & 6 and my Bonica is doing well. I treated it like a shrub rose...the first winter I did not cut it back and I did not hill it in. It worked because this is the second year and it has bloomed all summer. It is very hardy and healthy despite my lack of care. I am quite pleased with it. It is my understanding that there is an "improved" version of this shrub rose that is floating around. I believe that Wayside Gardens is where I saw this being touted. I don't know which I have, but I think it is the original one because it is not grafted. Hope this all helps you out.