Roses to look for

Species Roses

Species roses, also known as wild roses, are natural varieties that have not been hybridised. They can be found across the Northern Hemisphere, with fossil records dating back 30–40 million years. Most species roses typically have five petals, although some exceptions exist.

English Roses

English roses, developed by David Austin, combine the best qualities of Old Roses and Modern Roses. They offer the strong, heady fragrance and intricate flower forms of Old Roses, along with the repeat-flowering ability and wider colour range of Modern Roses.

Old Garden Roses

Old Garden Roses, sometimes called heritage or historic roses, are traditional varieties bred before the introduction of the hybrid tea rose in 1867. They are known for their strong fragrance, high petal count, distinctive bloom shapes, and resistance to diseases. Many Old Garden Roses bloom once a year during the summer, although some classes, such as Bourbons and Noisettes, are repeat-flowering.

Modern Roses

Modern Roses, bred after 1867, include varieties such as hybrid teas, floribundas, and grandifloras. They are valued for their continuous blooming, larger flower size, and longer vase life. While fragrance is less common in many modern varieties, some still retain this characteristic. Modern Roses can be less hardy and disease-resistant compared to older varieties, depending on the breeding.

Peonies

Although sometimes referred to as "peony roses," peonies are not roses at all but belong to a separate genus, Paeonia. In China, they are a symbol of wealth and status and were historically grown for medicinal purposes. These perennial plants bloom for 7–10 days and are admired for their lush, multi-petalled flowers.

Rambling Roses

Rambling roses are vigorous shrubs with long, flexible stems. Typically blooming once per season, they are descendants of species roses. They grow quickly and can reach lengths of up to 20 metres (60 feet) in some cases. Ramblers are ideal for covering pergolas, arches, and walls, creating a spectacular display of flowers.