Yes, the bud union or graft should be just below ground level when you plant roses in a cold climate. You should also add a mulch at least 6 inches deep in the fall or pile fallen leaves up around the rose canes to protect them. You may want to consider some winter hardy landscape roses developed in Canada as well. You can find them for sale online by putting "Hardy Canadian Roses" into your browser. You will want to order in fall or winter but plant in early spring as bare root plants. Don't give up, there are beautiful roses that thrive in cold climates. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti