Classification & Types of Roses

Comprehensive Guide to Rose Varieties

Roses are classified based on several criteria, including their origin, ancestry, growth habits, flower forms, and other botanical characteristics. The classification of roses helps gardeners and horticulturists understand the diversity of this beloved flower. Here are some common methods used to classify roses:

Botanical Classification

Species Roses: These are wild roses found in nature. They are the ancestors of all cultivated roses and have a simple, natural appearance. Examples include Rosa gallica and Rosa rugosa.
Hybrid Species Roses: These hybrids result from crosses between different species of roses. They often exhibit characteristics of both parent species.

Cultural Classification

Old Garden Roses: These are roses that existed before the introduction of the hybrid tea rose in the 19th century. They are known for their classic, fragrant blooms, including categories like gallica, damask, and bourbon roses.
Modern Roses: This category encompasses roses introduced after the hybrid tea rose, including hybrid teas, floribundas, grandifloras, and more.

Growth Habit

Shrub Roses: These are roses with bushy growth habits. They often produce clusters of flowers.
Climbing Roses: Climbing roses have long canes and can be trained to climb trellises, walls, and arbors.
Rambling Roses: Rambling roses are vigorous climbers with long, arching canes. They produce clusters of small flowers.

Flower Form

Hybrid Tea Roses: Known for their single, high-centered blooms on long stems.
Floribunda Roses: Produce clusters of smaller, semi-double, or double blooms.
Grandiflora Roses: Similar to hybrid teas but produce blooms in clusters.
Miniature Roses: Compact roses with small, fully-formed flowers.
Cabbage Roses: Also known as centifolia roses, they have a profusion of petals, creating a cabbage-like appearance.

Color

Roses can be classified based on their flower colors, such as red, pink, yellow, white, and so on.

Fragrance

Some roses are classified based on their fragrance, such as highly scented or fragrant roses.

Bloom Frequency

Some roses are classified based on their bloom frequency, such as once-blooming or repeat-blooming roses.

Form and Size

Roses can be categorized by their overall form and size, such as standard roses (tree roses), groundcover roses, or miniature roses.

Hybridization

Roses can also be classified based on their hybridization, such as modern hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas, which are the result of intentional crossbreeding.

Parentage

Roses can be classified based on their parentage or ancestry, especially in the case of modern hybrids.

It's important to note that roses often belong to multiple classification categories simultaneously. For example, a rose can be a hybrid tea rose with a red color, a fragrant scent, and repeat-blooming characteristics. Understanding these classification criteria can help gardeners choose the right roses for their gardens and appreciate the diversity within the world of roses.

The Three Rose Types

According to the American Rose Society, there are three main types of roses.

Species Rose

Often referred to as “wild roses,” species roses are usually single-petaled (4-8 petals), once-blooming and have a bush size ranging from 2 to 20 feet.

They are listed according to their Latin name, beginning with R. for Rosa and can have common synonyms.

Old Garden Rose (pre-1867)

In 1966, the American Rose Society defined old garden roses as those types that existed prior to 1867, the year of introduction of the very first hybrid tea, 'La France'.

Modern Rose (1867 onwards)

The era of modern roses was established in 1867 with the introduction of the first hybrid tea, 'La France', by the French breeder Guillot. This variety was considered unique for a number of important horticultural reasons.

The Species Rose

Species roses are a delightful addition to any garden. These roses are known for their natural beauty and resilience, making them a popular choice among gardeners. With their wild and untamed appearance, species roses bring a touch of wilderness to any landscape.

Species (wild) Rose

Natural and Wild

Species roses, also known as wild roses, are the original form of the rose. These roses can be found growing in the wild and are closely related to the wild roses that have been growing for centuries. Species roses have a natural beauty and simplicity, often featuring single, five-petaled flowers in shades of pink or white. They are hardy and easy to grow, making them a great choice for naturalistic gardens or for adding a touch of wilderness to your landscape.

The Old Garden Rose (pre-1867)

The old garden rose, also known as heritage or heirloom rose, is a timeless treasure in the world of gardening. These roses have been cultivated for centuries, dating back to before the introduction of hybrid teas and modern roses.

What sets old garden roses apart is their classic charm and captivating fragrance. Their blossoms come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant hues, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. These roses are known for their intricate petal formations, often displaying a full and layered appearance.

One of the greatest joys of growing old garden roses is their resilience and adaptability. They are generally disease-resistant and can withstand various weather conditions, making them a reliable choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Additionally, they require minimal maintenance, thriving with just the basic care of watering and pruning.

Another remarkable aspect of old garden roses is their historical significance. Many of these roses have captivating stories behind them, passed down through generations. They have witnessed the changing times and have become a living testament to our gardening heritage.

Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, adding old garden roses to your landscape will undoubtedly bring a sense of nostalgia and beauty. Their timeless appeal and enduring qualities make them a beloved choice for those seeking a touch of history and romance in their gardens.

Antique Roses

Classic and Timeless

Antique roses, also known as old-fashioned roses, are roses that predate the introduction of hybrid teas. These roses have a classic and timeless beauty that has captivated gardeners for centuries. Antique roses come in a variety of forms, including single-petaled, semi-double, and fully double flowers. They are often highly fragrant and exhibit a range of colors, from soft pastels to deep, rich hues. Bring a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your garden with these charming antique roses.

English Roses

Exquisite and Fragrant

English roses, also known as David Austin roses, are renowned for their beauty, fragrance, and repeat flowering. These roses are a cross between old garden roses and modern hybrid teas, resulting in a stunning combination of classic elegance and reliable performance. English roses come in a wide range of colors and exhibit a variety of forms, from cupped blossoms to rosette-shaped flowers. With their intoxicating fragrances and ability to bloom repeatedly throughout the season, English roses are a must-have for any rose enthusiast.

Alba Roses

Radiant and White

Alba Rose is a beautiful flowering plant that is highly sought after in the world of gardening. With its stunning white blossoms and delicate fragrance, it adds an elegant touch to any garden or landscape.

This perennial plant is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various climates. It requires minimal care and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for both experienced gardeners and beginners. Alba Rose is also highly adaptable and can be grown in both sunny and partially shaded areas.

Ayrshire Roses

Hardy but Beautiful

Ayrshire Roses are a popular choice among gardeners for their beauty and hardiness. These roses, named after the county of Ayrshire in Scotland, are known for their vigorous growth and delicate blooms.

One of the key features of Ayrshire Roses is their ability to climb and cover walls, trellises, and fences, making them an excellent choice for creating a stunning garden display. Their long, flexible canes can be trained to grow horizontally or vertically, allowing for versatile and creative garden designs.

Bourbon Roses

Beautiful and Fragrant

Bourbon roses are a popular choice among gardeners due to their exquisite beauty and delightful fragrance. These roses, which originated on the Île Bourbon (now known as Réunion Island), are known for their large, full blooms and vibrant colors.

When it comes to gardening, Bourbon roses are a fantastic addition to any garden. They are relatively easy to grow and require minimal maintenance. With proper care, these roses can thrive and bring a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.

Centifolia Roses

Popular and Fragrent

Centifolia Roses, also known as Cabbage Roses, are a popular choice among gardeners due to their exquisite beauty and captivating fragrance. These roses are a classic addition to any garden, adding a touch of elegance and charm.

Centifolia Roses are known for their large, densely packed petals that form a beautiful, full bloom. The petals are often ruffled, giving the roses a unique and romantic appearance. Their colors range from delicate pinks and whites to deeper shades of red and purple, providing a wide range of options to suit any garden design.

China Roses

Blooming Chinese Beauty

China Roses, also known as Rosa chinensis, are a popular choice among gardeners due to their stunning beauty and versatility. These roses are native to China and have been cultivated for centuries for their vibrant colors and delicate fragrance.

When it comes to gardening, China Roses are a great addition to any garden or landscape. They come in a wide range of colors, including shades of red, pink, yellow, and white, allowing you to create a visually striking display. Whether you prefer a traditional rose garden or a more modern design, China Roses can be easily incorporated into any style.

Damask Roses

Enchanting Beauty

Damask roses are a popular choice among gardeners due to their exquisite beauty and enchanting fragrance. These roses, known for their vibrant colors and lush petals, add a touch of elegance to any garden. With their long history dating back to ancient times, Damask roses have been cherished for their medicinal properties and are often used in the production of essential oils and perfumes.

Growing Damask roses requires careful attention to their specific needs. These roses thrive in well-drained soil and require a sunny location to flourish. Regular watering and occasional pruning help maintain their health and shape. With proper care, Damask roses can bloom abundantly, creating a stunning display of velvety petals that will surely captivate any gardener's heart.

Hybrid China Roses

Versatile and Beautiful

Hybrid China Roses are a popular choice among gardeners due to their stunning beauty and versatility. These roses, which are a result of crossbreeding between China Roses and other rose varieties, offer a unique blend of characteristics that make them a valuable addition to any garden.

One of the key features of Hybrid China Roses is their ability to thrive in various climates and conditions. Whether you have a sunny garden or a shady spot, these roses can adapt and flourish. They are known for their resilience to diseases and pests, making them relatively low maintenance compared to other rose varieties.

Hybrid Perpetual Roses

Continuous Bloomer

Hybrid Perpetual Roses, a beloved addition to any garden, are a true delight for gardening enthusiasts. These roses, known for their stunning beauty and fragrance, have a unique ability to bloom continuously throughout the growing season.

With their rich history dating back to the 19th century, Hybrid Perpetual Roses have become a symbol of elegance and charm in gardens worldwide. Their large, full blooms come in a variety of colors, ranging from deep reds and pinks to delicate whites and purples, making them a versatile choice for any garden design.

Moss Roses

Colourful and Tolerant

Moss Roses, also known as Portulaca, are charming and vibrant flowers that are a great addition to any garden. These low-growing plants are native to South America and are well-loved for their ability to thrive in hot and dry conditions.

One of the standout features of Moss Roses is their beautiful, rose-like blooms that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, and white. These flowers have a delicate, papery texture and a lovely fragrance that can fill your garden with a sweet scent.

Noisette Roses

Large and Sprawling

Noisette Roses are a popular choice among gardeners due to their exquisite beauty and delightful fragrance. These roses, which originated in the early 19th century, are known for their clusters of small, delicate blooms that come in a range of colors, from soft pinks to creamy whites.

One of the reasons why Noisette Roses are favored by gardeners is their ability to climb and cover trellises, fences, and walls, adding a touch of elegance to any garden. They are vigorous climbers that can reach impressive heights, creating a stunning vertical display of blooms.

Portland Roses

Robust and Popular

Portland Roses are a popular choice among gardeners due to their stunning beauty and delightful fragrance. These roses, named after the city of Portland, Oregon, are known for their ability to thrive in various climates and soil conditions.

When it comes to gardening, Portland Roses are a fantastic addition to any flower bed or garden. Their vibrant colors and elegant blooms can instantly enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space. Moreover, these roses are relatively low-maintenance, making them suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Tea Roses

Graceful and Delicate

Tea roses, also known as China roses, are a group of roses known for their delicate beauty and fragrance. These roses have a refined and elegant appearance, with flowers that are typically medium-sized and cupped. Tea roses come in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to vibrant shades. They require careful attention and thrive in mild climates. If you are looking for roses that exude grace and fragility, tea roses are an excellent choice.

Modern Rose Varieties

The modern rose is a beloved addition to any garden, combining beauty and versatility.

With its vibrant colors and exquisite fragrance, the modern rose adds a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.

Gardeners appreciate the modern rose for its resilience and ability to thrive in various climates and soil conditions.

Furthermore, modern roses are known for their disease resistance, making them a low-maintenance option for garden enthusiasts.

Whether used as a standalone centerpiece or as part of a larger floral arrangement, the modern rose is an essential element in contemporary gardening.

Hybrid Tea Roses

Elegant and Stunning

Hybrid tea roses are known for their elegant and perfectly shaped flowers. They have long stems and each stem usually bears a single flower. These roses come in a wide range of colors and are highly prized for their classic beauty and fragrance. Whether you are looking for a rose to adorn your garden or to cut for a beautiful bouquet, hybrid tea roses are an excellent choice.

Climbing Roses

Graceful and Versatile

Climbing roses add a touch of romance and elegance to any garden. These roses have long, flexible canes that can be trained to climb up walls, fences, or trellises. With their abundant blooms and ability to provide vertical interest, climbing roses are perfect for creating beautiful focal points or covering unsightly structures. Whether you prefer delicate clusters of flowers or large, showy blossoms, there is a climbing rose to suit your taste.

Floribunda Roses

Abundant and Colorful

Floribunda roses are known for their profusion of blooms. These roses produce clusters of flowers in various colors, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. Floribunda roses are generally smaller and more compact than hybrid teas, making them ideal for borders, containers, or mass plantings. With their continuous blooming habit, floribunda roses provide long-lasting color and beauty to any garden.

Grandiflora Roses

Tall and Impressive

Grandiflora roses are a cross between hybrid teas and floribundas, combining the best traits of both. These roses produce large, high-centered flowers on long stems, similar to hybrid teas. However, they also have the cluster-flowering habit of floribundas. Grandiflora roses are known for their impressive size and fragrance, making them a popular choice for gardeners who want a dramatic and elegant display.

Groundcover Roses

Low and Spreading

Groundcover roses are an excellent choice for filling in gaps in your garden or for creating a carpet-like effect. These roses have a spreading growth habit and produce a profusion of flowers. They are ideal for slope stabilization, erosion control, or creating beautiful groundcover. Groundcover roses are generally disease resistant and low maintenance, making them a popular choice for landscape designers and homeowners alike.

Miniature Roses

Petite and Adorable

Miniature roses are perfect for those who have limited space or want to add a pop of color to their patio or balcony. These roses have small flowers that are similar in form to hybrid teas but on a smaller scale. Despite their size, miniature roses can still pack a punch when it comes to color and fragrance. They are also suitable for container gardening and can be grown indoors with proper care. Enjoy the beauty of roses even in small spaces with these adorable miniatures.

Miniflora Roses

Small and Elegant

Miniflora roses are a delightful addition to any garden. These petite roses are perfect for those with limited space or for those who simply want to add a touch of elegance to their existing flower beds. Despite their small size, Miniflora roses produce an abundant amount of blooms, creating a stunning display of color.

One of the advantages of growing Miniflora roses is their low maintenance requirements. They are relatively disease-resistant and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Whether you have a sunny spot or a partially shaded area, Miniflora roses will thrive and bring joy to your garden.

Shrub Roses

Hardy and Low Maintenance

Shrub roses are a versatile group of roses that can be used in various landscape settings. These roses are known for their hardiness and disease resistance, making them a low-maintenance choice for gardeners. Shrub roses come in a wide range of sizes and forms, from compact bushes to sprawling shrubs. They produce abundant blooms in a variety of colors and often have a pleasant fragrance. Whether you need a centerpiece for your garden or a reliable addition to your landscape, shrub roses are an excellent option.

Park Roses

Regal and Majestic

Park roses, also known as parkland roses, are a group of roses that are highly resistant to harsh weather conditions and can thrive in a wide range of soils. These roses typically have a vigorous and upright growth habit, producing large clusters of flowers. Park roses are ideal for creating impressive displays in parks, public gardens, or large landscapes. With their regal and majestic presence, these roses are sure to make a statement in any setting.

Feature Summary

The table below describes the common features for a number of rose types to help identify key features you may be interested in for your garden.