Different Categories of Roses
Terms such as "floribunda" and "hybrid tea" are still often heard but
the traditional classification of roses has been superseded by a more
logical system, which is followed in the descriptions here.
Climbing roses. Do not climb in the true sense of the word – they
have to be tied in to supports. They vary in height, but on average
expect around 2.5-3.5m/8- 12ft. There are various kinds: climbing
varieties of large-flowered and cluster-flowered roses (see below);
repeat-flowering climbers with several flushes of blooms during
summer/autumn; and summer-flowering climbers with only one flush of
blooms each year in the summer. Flowers of the last two kinds may be
fully double, semi-double or single.
Cluster-flowered roses. Previously known as floribunda roses.
Flowers produced in large clusters throughout summer. Ideal for formal
beds. These are bush roses, developing into bushes of quite regular
outline. Heights vary from 45cm/18in to 180cm/6ft, but the average is
90-120cm/3-4ft.
Groundcover roses. Comparatively new group of roses with a
prostrate or low-arching habit of growth. Flowers may be double,
semi-double or single. Some varieties have only one flush of blooms in
summer; others have several.
Hybrid musk roses. Types of shrub roses developed early this
century. The flower shape varies, but all hybrid musk roses are noted
for superb scent. Blooms often produced well into autumn. Average height
150cm/5ft.
Large-flowered roses. Previously known as hybrid tea roses. They
are bush roses, developing into bushes of quite regular outline, growing
on average to about 60cm/2ft; some varieties, however, attain 120-150cm/
4-5ft, while others do not exceed 90cm/3ft. All produce large individual
flowers, perfectly shaped, often highly scented. Ideal for formal beds.
Miniature roses. There are no smaller roses than these –they
attain no more than 45cm/18in in height, and many are very much shorter.
The tiny blooms are scaled-down versions of large-flowered and
cluster-flowered roses and are produced throughout the summer.
Old garden roses. The roses of the 19th, 18th and earlier
centuries. Some groups are still popular today. BOURBONS have large
double richly fragrant flowers which appear in several flushes
throughout summer; 120- 180cm/4-6ft. MOSS ROSES have moss-like growths
on the flower buds and stems, and the double blooms are usually highly
fragrant; 120-180cm/4-6ft. DAMASK ROSES have a highly distinctive
fragrance, and the usually double blooms are produced over a long
period; 120-180cm/4-6ft.
Polyanthus roses. Low-growing shrub roses which produce clusters
of small double flowers during summer and into autumn. 30-90cm/1-3ft. An
old group, popular early this century.
Ramblers. Vigorous climbing roses which produce new growths from
ground level each year. Many reach heights of 3.5-4.5m/12-15ft or more.
Most carry clusters of double flowers in summer: one good long display
and then nothing more until next year.
Shrub roses. A very variable group, consisting mainly of quite
large shrubs, 1.5-2.5m/5-8ft in height, with a similar spread.
Recommended are the modem repeat-flowering shrub roses which produce
several flushes of blooms during summer and into autumn. Others have
only one flush in summer. Flowers may be single, semi-double or double.
Species roses. These are wild roses: shrubs which vary
considerably in habit. Grown not only for attractive flowers, usually
single, but often for colourful autumn hips or fruits, and sometimes for
distinctive foliage or colourful thorns.
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