World of Roses 

1. Old Garden Roses

Old garden roses, also known as heritage or antique roses, are varieties that existed before 1867—the year the first hybrid tea rose was introduced. These roses are celebrated for their historical significance, strong fragrance, and natural resistance to diseases.

• Damask Roses (Rosa damascena): Known for their intoxicating scent, damask roses are prized for their role in perfumery and rose oil production. Their blooms are typically pink or white and are celebrated for their lush, layered appearance.

• Gallica Roses (Rosa gallica): One of the oldest cultivated species, Gallica roses are compact, hardy shrubs with deep pink to crimson flowers. They are associated with medieval gardens and were often used in herbal medicine.

• Alba Roses: Distinguished by their elegant white or pale pink blooms, Alba roses are vigorous and shade-tolerant. Their graceful arching growth habit makes them ideal for informal garden settings.

These roses, though less commonly planted today, are treasured by enthusiasts for their historical charm and low-maintenance requirements.

2. Modern Roses

Modern roses are the result of extensive hybridization efforts aimed at enhancing traits such as bloom frequency, color range, and plant structure. They dominate contemporary gardens and floriculture industries.

• Hybrid Tea Roses: Known for their large, solitary blooms and long stems, hybrid tea roses are the quintessential "florist's rose." Introduced in 1867, these roses are available in a wide array of colors, including classic reds, delicate pastels, and striking bi-colors.

• Floribunda Roses: A cross between hybrid tea and polyantha roses, floribundas are characterized by clusters of medium-sized flowers. Their continuous blooming habit and varied hues make them a popular choice for borders and mass plantings.

• Grandiflora Roses: Combining the elegance of hybrid teas with the floriferous nature of floribundas, grandiflora roses produce large, showy blooms in clusters. They are well-suited for formal gardens and landscapes.

• Miniature and Miniflora Roses: Compact and perfect for container gardening, miniature roses replicate the beauty of their larger counterparts on a smaller scale. Miniflora roses, slightly larger, bridge the gap between miniature and floribunda types.

3. Climbing and Rambler Roses

Roses in these categories are distinguished by their ability to grow vigorously and cover structures such as trellises, arbors, and fences. While similar, climbers and ramblers have notable differences:

• Climbing Roses: These roses are often derived from modern varieties and produce large blooms on long, arching canes. They typically flower repeatedly throughout the season.

• Rambling Roses: More vigorous than climbers, ramblers are usually derived from heritage species and bloom once a year in a spectacular flush. Their smaller flowers and flexible canes make them ideal for covering large areas.

Both types add vertical interest to gardens and create dramatic displays when in full bloom.