Based on what I read here, it seems possible or even likely that historically speaking dormants were actually more likely to be northern cold hardy simply because there were more of them. Northern hybridizers were simply developing more cold hardy plants that were dormants. They were doing this not because of a scientific correlation between foliage habit and cold hardiness, but because there was assumed or perceived to be one. And also possibly because in many cases evergreens in the north can have a period in the spring when they have a lot of ratty-looking foliage.
So the question is, if that was true is it still true to some extent? Are dormants still more likely to be northern cold hardy simply because there are just a higher numbers of them that are? Clearly the line is blurred but is it truly to the point now where it is completely irrelevant?
Either way, the ratty foliage issue may or may not be a concern for some people?
