A Guide to Different Types of Roses: Varieties to Love and Grow

Roses, often referred to as the "queen of flowers," have been symbols of beauty, love, and admiration for centuries. With over 150 species and thousands of varieties, roses come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or someone just beginning their floral journey, this guide to the different types of roses and their popular varieties will help you discover the perfect rose for your garden or bouquet.

The Main Rose Categories

1. Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid tea roses are the most popular and classic type of rose, known for their long stems and large, well-formed blooms. Each flower typically grows on a single stem, making them ideal for creating dramatic and elegant bouquets. They come in a wide range of colors, including red, pink, white, yellow, and multicolored varieties. However, they do require regular maintenance and are often more susceptible to diseases.

Best For: Cut flower arrangements and formal gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Peace': One of the most famous hybrid tea roses, ‘Peace’ is a large, multi-colored bloom that fades from yellow to pink at the edges. Known for its outstanding beauty, 'Peace' is also resistant to disease, making it a garden favorite.

• 'Mr. Lincoln': This is a deep, velvety red rose with a strong, classic fragrance. Known for its upright growth and stunning blooms, 'Mr. Lincoln' is a favorite in both gardens and floral displays.

• 'Double Delight': This unique rose starts as a cream-colored bud but opens to reveal a red-pink edge with a creamy center. Its striking appearance is paired with a strong, spicy fragrance.

2. Floribunda Roses
Floribunda roses produce clusters of flowers and bloom continuously throughout the season. They are more disease-resistant and require less maintenance, making them ideal for beginner gardeners. These roses are available in a variety of colors.

Best For: Flower beds, borders, and mass plantings

Popular Varieties:

• 'Iceberg': A prolific bloomer, 'Iceberg' produces clusters of pure white flowers with a light fragrance. It’s one of the most popular floribundas due to its resilience and long bloom period.

• 'Julia Child': This yellow rose was chosen by the celebrity chef herself for its golden buttery color and mild licorice fragrance. It’s also a tough, disease-resistant plant, perfect for any garden.

• 'Angel Face': With its ruffled lavender petals and citrus scent, 'Angel Face' is a standout. Its compact size and bushy growth make it a great option for borders and small spaces.

3. Grandiflora Roses
Grandiflora roses combine the large blooms of hybrid teas with the cluster-forming growth of floribundas. They grow taller than most other varieties, making them ideal for adding vertical interest to your garden.

Best For: Tall garden focal points and floral displays

Popular Varieties:

• 'Queen Elizabeth': Named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, this pale pink rose is tall, stately, and continuously blooms throughout the season. It is also highly resistant to disease.

• 'Gold Medal': This variety produces large, golden-yellow blooms with a hint of orange. 'Gold Medal' is prized for its fragrance and striking color that deepens as the flower matures.

• 'Crimson Glory': Known for its deep crimson petals and intoxicating fragrance, this variety is a favorite among rose enthusiasts. Its bold color and fragrance make it a striking addition to any garden.

4. Climbing Roses
Climbing roses have long, flexible canes that can be trained to grow up trellises, fences, walls, or pergolas. They produce an abundance of blooms and are a great way to add vertical interest to a garden.

Best For: Covering walls, fences, trellises, and arbors

Popular Varieties:

• 'New Dawn': This vigorous climber blooms pale pink flowers that fade to white. Known for its strong, sweet fragrance and repeat blooms, 'New Dawn' is an excellent choice for walls or arbors.

• 'Don Juan': One of the most popular climbing roses, 'Don Juan' boasts large, velvety red flowers with a rich, heady fragrance. It’s perfect for creating a romantic atmosphere in the garden.

• 'Cecile Brunner': This climbing rose produces small, perfectly formed pink blooms with a sweet fragrance. It’s known for its graceful, arching growth and is ideal for small spaces.

5. Miniature Roses
Miniature roses are small in stature but big in beauty. They grow to a height of 6 inches to 2 feet and produce tiny, perfectly formed flowers. These roses are ideal for container gardening or indoor houseplants.

Best For: Containers, small gardens, and indoor growing

Popular Varieties:

• 'Sunblaze': A group of miniature roses available in a variety of colors, 'Sunblaze' roses are known for their vibrant hues and compact growth. They are hardy and easy to care for.

• 'Baby Boomer': This variety produces clusters of pink blooms on a small, bushy plant. Its size and hardiness make it perfect for growing in containers or as an indoor plant.

• 'Cupcake': A charming miniature rose with soft pink blooms, 'Cupcake' is ideal for small gardens or window boxes. Its delicate appearance belies its toughness, as it is disease-resistant and easy to grow.

6. Shrub Roses

Shrub roses are large, hardy plants that require minimal care. They can be used as hedges, in mixed borders, or as standalone plants. They often bloom in profusion, providing a season-long display of color.

Best For: Low-maintenance gardens, hedging, and mass plantings

Popular Varieties:

• 'Knock Out': This variety is known for its incredible disease resistance and non-stop blooming. 'Knock Out' roses come in a range of colors, from red to pink to yellow, and are incredibly easy to grow.

• 'David Austin English Roses': These roses combine the best of old garden roses with the repeat blooming of modern varieties. They are known for their large, fragrant blooms and come in a wide variety of colors.

• 'Carefree Wonder': As the name suggests, this variety is low-maintenance and highly disease-resistant. It produces clusters of pink, semi-double flowers that bloom from spring to frost.

7. Old Garden Roses (Heritage Roses)
Old garden roses, also known as heritage roses, are varieties that existed before 1867. They have a romantic, vintage appeal and are prized for their fragrance and hardiness. Many bloom once a year, offering a spectacular display.

Best For: Traditional, cottage, or historical gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Madame Hardy': This heritage rose produces pure white blooms with a green eye at the center. It has an exceptionally strong fragrance and is a favorite in traditional and cottage gardens.

• 'Rosa Mundi': Known for its striking striped pink and white petals, 'Rosa Mundi' is a truly unique rose. Its strong fragrance and old-fashioned charm make it a garden standout.

• 'Souvenir de la Malmaison': This blush-pink rose has a rich history, having been named after the gardens of Empress Josephine. It produces large, cup-shaped blooms and has a lovely fragrance.

8. Groundcover Roses
Groundcover roses are low-growing, spreading varieties that are perfect for covering large areas. They are disease-resistant, low-maintenance, and bloom continuously throughout the season.

Best For: Erosion control, groundcover, and filling large garden areas

Popular Varieties:

• 'Flower Carpet': Known for its prolific bloom and ability to thrive in poor soil, 'Flower Carpet' roses are available in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white. They are disease-resistant and bloom continuously.

• 'Drift Roses': These low-growing roses are perfect for groundcover or small garden spaces. They are disease-resistant and produce an abundance of blooms in shades of pink, coral, and white.

• 'The Fairy': This delicate-looking rose produces small, pale pink flowers in large clusters. It’s a reliable bloomer and an excellent choice for groundcover in cottage or informal gardens.

9. Polyantha Roses

Polyantha roses are compact, bushy plants that produce clusters of small, vibrant flowers. These roses are hardy, disease-resistant, and offer continuous blooms throughout the season. Polyantha roses are ideal for borders, hedges, or container planting.

Best For: Borders, small gardens, and containers

Popular Varieties:

• 'The Fairy': This beloved variety features clusters of small, light pink blooms on a bushy plant. 'The Fairy' is a reliable bloomer with excellent disease resistance and is perfect for groundcover.

• 'Margo Koster': Known for its vibrant orange-pink blooms, 'Margo Koster' is a compact and low-maintenance rose. Its small, semi-double flowers make it a standout in any garden.

• 'China Doll': A charming rose with bright pink flowers that bloom in large clusters, 'China Doll' is ideal for adding color to small spaces or container gardens.

10. Rugosa Roses

Rugosa roses are hardy, low-maintenance plants known for their rugged appearance and ability to thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. They are often used in coastal areas due to their tolerance to salt and sandy soils. Rugosa roses have large, fragrant flowers and produce attractive rose hips in the fall.

Best For: Coastal gardens, hedges, and low-maintenance landscapes

Popular Varieties:

• 'Blanc Double de Coubert': This variety features pure white, semi-double blooms with a strong fragrance. 'Blanc Double de Coubert' is disease-resistant and produces beautiful orange-red hips in the fall.

• 'Hansa': Known for its large, deep magenta flowers, 'Hansa' is highly fragrant and blooms repeatedly throughout the season. It’s a hardy plant that thrives in tough conditions.

• 'Rosa Rugosa Alba': This classic white rose is known for its wrinkled foliage and ability to thrive in poor soil. Its fragrant blooms are followed by bright red rose hips, adding interest to the garden in fall.

11. English Roses (David Austin Roses)

English roses, bred by David Austin, combine the classic beauty and fragrance of old garden roses with the repeat-blooming nature of modern varieties. These roses are known for their full, cup-shaped blooms and a wide range of colors. English roses are ideal for cottage gardens and mixed borders.

Best For: Cottage gardens, borders, and fragrant gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Gertrude Jekyll': A highly fragrant, rich pink rose with a classic rosette form, 'Gertrude Jekyll' is a David Austin favorite. It’s a repeat bloomer and perfect for adding fragrance to the garden.

• 'Graham Thomas': This award-winning rose produces bright, golden-yellow blooms with a tea rose fragrance. It’s a vigorous grower and one of the most popular David Austin varieties.

• 'Abraham Darby': Known for its large, apricot-pink blooms and strong fruity fragrance, 'Abraham Darby' is a vigorous shrub that can also be trained as a climber.

12. Bourbon Roses

Bourbon roses are a class of old garden roses known for their lush, full blooms and strong fragrance. They often have a repeat blooming cycle, making them a great addition to traditional or formal gardens. These roses typically have a bushy growth habit and thrive with minimal care.

Best For: Formal gardens, borders, and fragrant gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Souvenir de la Malmaison': This blush-pink rose has a rich history and produces large, cup-shaped blooms with a strong fragrance. It’s a reliable bloomer and highly regarded among rose enthusiasts.

• 'Zéphirine Drouhin': This thornless climbing rose features fragrant, bright pink blooms and is ideal for growing on fences or trellises. It’s a vigorous grower and tolerates shade.

• 'Madame Isaac Pereire': Known for its large, magenta blooms and powerful scent, this variety is a favorite for adding color and fragrance to the garden. It blooms multiple times throughout the season.

13. Tea Roses

Tea roses, distinct from hybrid teas, are a class of old garden roses known for their delicate, tea-scented blooms. These roses are often larger and more open than other varieties, with softer shades of pink, yellow, and white. Tea roses are continuous bloomers and add a touch of elegance to any garden.

Best For: Traditional gardens, mixed borders, and warm climates

Popular Varieties:

• 'Duchesse de Brabant': This soft pink rose is highly fragrant with a fruity tea scent. It’s known for its repeat blooms and soft, cupped petals, making it a favorite in warm climates.

• 'Mrs. B. R. Cant': A hardy tea rose with large, crimson-pink blooms and a strong fragrance, 'Mrs. B. R. Cant' is a vigorous grower that performs well even in poor soils.

• 'Lady Hillingdon': Known for its apricot-yellow blooms with long, pointed buds, 'Lady Hillingdon' is a highly fragrant rose with a graceful, arching habit.

14. Noisette Roses

Noisette roses are climbing roses known for their clusters of small, fragrant blooms. They are repeat bloomers and grow vigorously, making them ideal for covering arbors, trellises, and pergolas. Noisettes are often found in warmer climates and are prized for their long blooming season.

Best For: Warm climates, vertical garden elements, and fragrant gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Blush Noisette': This variety features clusters of small, pale pink flowers with a light fragrance. It’s a prolific bloomer and perfect for training over trellises or fences.

• 'Crepuscule': A warm apricot-colored climber, 'Crépuscule' is known for its soft blooms and light fragrance. It thrives in warmer climates and can be trained as a climber or shrub.

• 'Lamarque': This creamy white rose produces large, fragrant blooms in clusters. It’s a vigorous grower and thrives in warm climates, making it a favorite for southern gardens.

15. Gallica Roses

Gallica roses are one of the oldest cultivated classes of roses, dating back to Roman times. They are known for their rich history, compact growth, and intensely fragrant blooms. Most Gallica roses are once-blooming, producing a spectacular display in early summer. They are very hardy and tolerate cold climates well.

Best For: Historical gardens, cooler climates, and fragrant gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Rosa Mundi': This distinctive rose has striped blooms of pink and white with a strong fragrance. 'Rosa Mundi' is a classic Gallica rose with a long history and a striking appearance.

• 'Charles de Mills': This variety features deep crimson blooms with a rich, velvety texture. Known for its old-world charm, 'Charles de Mills' has an intense fragrance and adds a touch of history to any garden.

• 'Tuscany Superb': A deep, dark purple rose with a powerful scent, 'Tuscany Superb' is known for its semi-double blooms and unique coloring. It’s a standout in any garden.

16. Moss Roses

Moss roses are a unique type of rose that gets its name from the mossy growth on the sepals of the flowers. These roses are closely related to the centifolia class and are known for their strong fragrance and old-world charm. They are once-blooming, typically producing flowers in mid-summer.

Best For: Fragrant gardens and adding texture to garden displays

Popular Varieties:

• 'William Lobb': A deep purple-pink rose with a strong fragrance, 'William Lobb' is a classic moss rose with distinctive mossy buds. It blooms once in the season and is highly regarded for its historical significance.

• 'Salet': One of the few repeat-blooming moss roses, 'Salet' produces fragrant, medium pink blooms. Its mossy buds and strong scent make it a popular choice for rose enthusiasts.

• 'Henri Martin': This bright crimson rose has a rich fragrance and features dense mossing on the buds. It’s a vigorous grower and perfect for adding old-fashioned charm to any garden.

17. Portland Roses

Portland roses are a small class of old garden roses that are prized for their repeat blooming and compact growth. They are often highly fragrant and have a formal, upright shape. Portland roses are perfect for gardeners who want the beauty of old roses with the benefit of multiple bloom cycles.

Best For: Small gardens, fragrant gardens, and formal borders

Popular Varieties:

• 'Comte de Chambord': This pink rose has a strong, sweet fragrance and blooms repeatedly throughout the season. It’s a compact, bushy plant ideal for small gardens or formal beds.

• 'Jacques Cartier': Known for its large, deeply fragrant blooms in shades of pink, 'Jacques Cartier' is a reliable repeat bloomer with an old-fashioned, romantic appearance.

• 'Rose de Rescht': A richly scented, magenta rose, 'Rose de Rescht' is a repeat bloomer with a compact growth habit. It’s a favorite among gardeners for its fragrance and continuous blooms.

18. Centifolia Roses

Centifolia roses, also known as cabbage roses, are famous for their densely petaled, fragrant blooms that resemble cabbages. These old garden roses are typically once-blooming and are celebrated for their lush, full appearance and strong perfume. Centifolia roses are often depicted in classic paintings and are used in perfume production.

Best For: Traditional, cottage, and fragrant gardens

Popular Varieties:

• 'Fantin-Latour': A soft blush-pink rose with a sweet fragrance, 'Fantin-Latour' is named after the 19th-century painter known for his floral compositions. It’s a lush, once-blooming rose with classic charm.

• 'Paul Ricault': This variety produces large, pale pink blooms with a sweet fragrance. It’s a vigorous grower with an abundance of petals, making it a stunning addition to traditional gardens.

• 'Sophie’s Perpetual': A lovely pink rose with repeat blooming habits, 'Sophie’s Perpetual' offers the lush blooms typical of centifolia roses with the added benefit of blooming more than once in the season.

19. Species Roses

Species roses are wild roses that have remained largely unchanged by hybridization. These roses are simple in form, typically with five petals, and they are incredibly hardy and adaptable. Species roses are often used in breeding programs to introduce hardiness and disease resistance to modern varieties. They produce attractive rose hips and are a valuable addition to wildlife gardens.

Best For: Wildlife gardens, naturalized areas, and low-maintenance landscapes

Popular Varieties:

• 'Rosa Canina' (Dog Rose): A common wild rose found in Europe, 'Rosa Canina' produces single, pale pink flowers followed by large, red hips. It’s a hardy, adaptable rose that supports wildlife.

• 'Rosa Rugosa': Known for its wrinkled leaves and large, fragrant flowers, 'Rosa Rugosa' is a tough and hardy species rose that thrives in poor soils and coastal areas.

• 'Rosa Moyesii: This striking rose features deep red, single blooms followed by prominent orange-red hips. Its arching growth habit and bold flowers make it a popular choice for naturalized gardens.

20. Damask Roses

Damask roses are an ancient class of roses known for their intense fragrance and historical significance. These roses have been cultivated for centuries for use in perfumes and rose oil production. Damask roses are usually once-blooming, with some varieties offering a second bloom cycle in autumn.

Best For: Fragrant gardens, historical gardens, and perfume production

Popular Varieties:

• Ispahan: This classic Damask rose produces rich pink blooms with a strong fragrance. It’s a once-blooming variety that provides a spectacular display of flowers in early summer.

• Madame Hardy: A highly fragrant white rose with a green eye at the center, 'Madame Hardy' is an elegant, old-fashioned rose that adds timeless beauty to any garden.

• Autumn Damask: One of the few repeat-blooming Damask roses, 'Autumn Damask' produces soft pink, fragrant blooms in both early summer and autumn, making it a versatile addition to gardens.

Final Thoughts

From the elegance of hybrid tea roses to the carefree nature of shrub roses, the diversity within the rose family means there’s a perfect variety for every gardener. Each variety offers something unique, whether it’s fragrance, color, or ease of care. Explore these varieties to find the right rose for your garden or bouquet, and enjoy the timeless beauty they bring to your outdoor space. Happy gardening!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How can I improve the soil for growing roses?

A1: To enhance soil quality, mix in organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure. This improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient content. Additionally, consider testing the soil pH and adjusting it to the ideal range of 6.0 to 6.8 for roses.

Q2. How can I prevent pests and diseases on my rose plants?

A2: Regularly inspect your roses for signs of pests like aphids or spider mites and diseases such as black spot or powdery mildew. Use natural predators, like ladybugs, or organic treatments, like neem oil. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize disease risks.

Q3. When is the best time to prune roses?

A3: Prune roses in late winter or early spring, just as new growth begins to appear. For most climates, this is before the last frost. Pruning encourages strong, healthy growth and removes dead or damaged wood.

Q4. Can roses be grown in containers?

A4: Yes, many rose varieties do well in containers, especially compact or miniature types. Ensure the container has good drainage and use a high-quality potting mix. Regular watering and fertilization are essential for container roses to thrive.

Q5.  How do I fertilize roses effectively?

A5: Feed roses with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth starts. Follow up with additional feedings every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms.

Q6. What are some signs that my roses are overwatered?

A6: Symptoms of overwatering include yellowing leaves, wilting despite wet soil, and root rot. Ensure the soil has good drainage and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.

Q7.  How can I ensure my roses bloom well?

A7: Ensure your roses receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and are planted in well-draining soil. Regular deadheading (removing spent blooms) encourages more flowering. Adequate water and balanced fertilization also support healthy blooming.

Q8. Can I grow roses in colder climates?

A8: Yes, you can grow roses in colder climates by choosing hardy varieties suitable for your USDA hardiness zone. Provide winter protection by mulching around the base and covering the plants with burlap or other insulating materials during extreme cold spells.