Types Of Roses
A complete guide to rose selection.

There are actually thirty-five types of roses, or to be more precise, thirty five categories. No other flower has a wider range of size, color, shape and bloom form, than the rose,

so when you start your rose selection process it's helpful to know the complete range of possibilities.

The American Rose Society classifys types of roses into three main groupings, using the magic date "1867" as the divider. The year "1867" was chosen because it was the year of the introduction of the first hybrid tea: La France. Roses known to be in existence prior to "1867"are referred to as Old Garden Roses or O.G.R's, and those after "1867" as Modern Roses.

So, the three major types of roses (groupings) are:

SPECIES ROSES(1) OLD GARDEN ROSES(21) MODERN ROSES(13)

Within these three broad groupings are a total of 35 categories, some of which are a lot more common than others. We have listed and commented only on the more common types of roses.

SPECIES ROSES
These are often called wild roses and are listed by latin name beginning with R. for Rosa. They have single petals and bloom only once. The bush may be 6 to 20 feet.

OLD GARDEN ROSES
They are famous for their heavy fragrance, but often only produce blooms once a year. They do, however, have a good hip production.

ALBA
An upright bush of dense blue-green foliage and white flowers. Often a climber.
AYRSHIRE
These types of roses are single blooming, sprawling rose that originated in Scotland.
BOURSAULT
A thornless, once blooming rambling type rose.
CENTIFOLIA
Dutch hybrid "cabbage" roses. Winter hardy bushes of 4 to 8 feet. Blooms often have over 100 petals!
DAMASK
Some are repeat blooming but all have a very heavy fragrance. Bushes grow 3 to 6 feet.
HYBRID CHINA
Small 2 to 3 foot bushes with repeat blooming flowers of spicy fragrance. These are often very weak stemmed bushes.
HYBRID GALLICA
Once blooming, small bushes which are winter hardy. Often very brilliant colors.
HYBRID PERPETUAL
Six foot bushes in mostly pinks and reds. More famous in the 19th century for their scent and repeat blooming.
MOSS
One of my favorites because of the "moss" covered top of the stem. Bushes are 3 to 6 feet tall and winter hardy.
NOISETTE
These types of roses are large, sprawling bushes to 20 feet, with clusters of fragrant blooms. Originated in Charleston, USA.
PORTLAND
Four feet tall bushes named after the Duchess of Portland. Hybrid cross of several different O.G.R.s.
TEA
The forerunner of the modern Hybrid Tea. Small plants with large blooms on very weak stems.
Please note that there are actually 21 categories in the 'Ó.G.R.' section.

MODERN ROSES
These are the most common types of roses. The French breeder, Guillot introduced the first Hybrid tea which had elegant blooms and also repeated. Breeders were quick to realise that roses could be 'planned' and so far over 10 000 have been successful, since 1867.

HYBRID TEA AND GRANDIFLORA
These are the most popular of modern roses. Large, shapely blooms of 30 to 50 petals in all sorts of shades and colors. The 'Peace' Rose in 1945 was the earliest. In 1954 the Grandiflora was found by crossing the hybrid tea with the floribunda. Grandiflora grow to well over 8 feet. 'Queen Elizabeth' was the first Grandiflora in this class.
FLORIBUNDA AND POLYANTHA
Bushes have large clusters of flowers with many blooms in flower at one time. These are the second most popular rose bushes after the Hybrid Tea, although the Tea blooms in a 6 weeks cycle while the floribunda blooms continuously. Easy to care for, hardy and more reliable than the tea's. Polyanthas tend have smaller flowers on smaller, sturdy bushes.
MINIATURE AND MINI FLORA
Miniature versions of the hybrid tea form of rose bush. Hardy, usually on their own root system and displaying miniature flower forms. Very versatile: edging and hanging baskets for example. Usually grow to about a metre (or 3 feet.)These are my personal favorites.Mini flora is a new category recognized in 1999: a sort of intermediate stage between floribunda and miniature.
SHRUB ROSE
These types of roses are sprawling, large bushes (up to 15 feet!)in every direction. Vigorous and hardy with large clusters of flowers. But you need plenty of room! David Austins or English roses are in this group which has five sub divisions.
LARGE FLOWERED CLIMBERS AND HYBRID WICHURANA
A large range of shapes and flowers but characterised by their long, arching canes and climbing habit. Large bushes that need space to climb: fences, walls, arbours!
Please note that there are actually 13 categories in the Modern Roses section.

The American Rose Society has sorted roses into 35 categories. Basically, 35 types of roses! This helps as a basis for our selection when we are ready to plan our rose garden. Please check our page on Rose Types which provides a clear overview of the more common roses that you are likely to include in your garden plan.

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Dig Around: Check out Love-of-Roses
Great rose site with fabulous pictures of roses, poetry, books and a great section on propagation.

Dig Around #2: Check out: Gardening on the prairies - challenging but rewarding.
Roses or raspberries, always adapting to the environment.

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