Drift roses were developed for use as flowering ground covers. Drift roses (Rosa Drift varieties), generally hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 or 5 through 11, are a series of ground-cover roses designed for versatility in landscape applications. Drift roses are wider than they are tall -- usually about 18 inches tall by 30 inches wide. The plants bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season and are simple to maintain.