Types of Roses

The rose is an ancient symbol of love and beauty; many wonderful, beautiful rose types have been cultivated from travels around the world. Varieties have combined old and new, shrub and vine, and single and multi-colored selections.

Rose types are classified as perennials meaning that they flower in the spring or summer every year. They are well-known for their delicate texture and fragrant aroma, making them a favorite for many. Many varieties have developed over millennia to cope with different climates, now offering an abundance of choices.

Roses provide many different functions for landscape design including hedges, display and climbing features. Whether a garden is more sculpted and ordered or wild and free-flowing, they can add a powerful flair; as centerpieces to the arrangement.

Horticulturists have combined different varieties to add greater resistance to diseases and maladies. They have eight basic shapes and come in more than 100 different species.

Some types include old, modern, wild, climbing and ground cover. There are also various overlapping variations.

Old garden roses include Alba, Damask and Gallica, which tend to exhibit a powerful color and potent scent. They have been given classical names celebrating families, women and entire nations - Bourbons, Penelope and China.

Modern roses have been given interesting names like Dublin Boy, Floribunda, Little White Pet and Southampton. These varieties usually have a longer growing season, lasting from summer to autumn. Classifications for these roses are usually based on their flowering tendencies and habits; for example, the large-flowered shrub.

Wild roses include the Dog, Incense and Musk rose.

The Aloha, Altissimo, Danse de Feu and Bobbie James are all climbing roses. These variations are epeat-bloomers. Rambler roses are sometimes included with climbing roses, but differ in reaching larger sizes and are once-blooming.

Groundcover varieties have names like Broadlands, Ferdy and Grouse.

There are increasingly specialized roses cultivated for certain climates, such as, the Bermuda Mystery Roses, which are highly resistant to tropical fungal diseases and flourish in hot, humid climates.

Heights range from tiny to up to 60 feet tall! Many beautiful colors are available including purple, yellow and red; color combinations are also available.

Some types have hardiness ratings based on how the roses handle different climates. They are oftentimes crushed and distilled into perfumes. Roses are high in Vitamin C.

Pruning is a detailed skill. Pruning should be done at the proper time for the specific variety. Generally, old growth should be pruned away to provide space for new blooms. One-year-old canes should not be pruned, because doing so will remove future buds. Deal quickly with problems, such as, powdery mildew and aphids.

For best results, choose more healthy rose varieties to get the best growing results. Select roses based on your need, matching the rose variety to your garden.





By Gary Pearson