Rose Classifications
Roses come in a huge range of sizes, shapes and colors, and placing them in classes helps us organize roses that have similar characteristics. The American Rose Society resets classification schemes from time to time, adjusting to new developments in roses.
Rose Classifications
Climbing Roses
Modern climbing roses are tall-growing versions of shrub roses. Most grow to about 8-12′ tall and require tying and support, as they will not twine around a post on their own. Climbing roses grown vertically will only produce flowers on the tips. For best flower production, train them upward and then outward.
English Roses
David Austin created these by breeding old roses with modern roses. Flowers are often very large, stuffed with petals, and highly fragrant. They also maintain modern virtues like smaller bush sizes, repeat blooms, and a broad color range. Many have upright shrubby structures, but fast growers can be trained as climbers.
Floribunda Roses
Flowers occur in large clusters and are typically 3-4” across. These are used for cutting and garden display. Plants often grow in a round, shrubby shape. Disease resistance varies.
Heritage (Old) Roses
These are roses which have been in cultivation since 1867 or earlier. Moss, Musk, Bourbon, Alba and Damask roses are found in this group. Many of these are very large shrubs (think blackberry brush) with incredible, old-rose scented flowers. Most will bloom only once per season for a few brilliant weeks in spring, and only a few will repeat bloom.
The only old rose we carry is ‘Zephirine Drouhin’, a climbing Bourbon rose. Its lovely double pink flowers are very fragrant, and unlike many old roses, it blooms all summer. Canes are primarily thornless and grow to about 12 feet.
Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Roses
The most popular classifications by far, Hybrid Teas provide a tremendous range of color, fragrance, form, and disease resistance. Flowers are often high-centered, formal double forms held on long stems with a single flower on each stem.
Grandiflora roses were originally bred by crossing Hybrid Tea roses with Floribundas. The result is a plant very tall in stature, with large Hybrid Tea style flowers that bloom in clusters.
Landscape Roses
These vary from ground covers to large shrubs and generally require less maintenance. They are marketed as disease-resistant and “self-cleaning,” meaning they don’t require deadheading to repeat bloom.
Miniature Roses
Tiny versions of Hybrid Tea Roses. Flowers are 1-2 inches across, with small leaves and short, shrubby growth (around 18-24 inches).
Rugosa Roses
Our hardiest and most disease resistant roses. Single flower forms with 5 petals are common and most are in shades of pink or white. Many repeat bloom and some carry a spicy clove scent. Quilted, rich green foliage and enormous rose hips are defining characteristics. Ungrafted Rosa rugosa will spread to form a thicket, so plant it where there is plenty of space!
Species Roses
These are “wild” roses, as they occur in nature, and are not a hybrid. Most grow to be large plants and have only one annual bloom. Oregon’s native roses fall into this category.
