Classifying Roses

There is no single official classification system for roses, instead there are a number of rose classification schemes used throughout the world.

The most popular system is that proposed by The American Rose Society (in cooperation with the World Federation of Roses). Although other classification systems are still in use, the majority of internationally established societies have adopted this one.

According to the American Rose Society, there are 3 main groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern Roses.

Species Roses

The ancestor of every other rose class, they are commonly referred to as "wild roses." They are easy to identify -- normally with 5 petals, bloom once a season, and are usually thorny shrubs or climbers.

Several popular Species Roses are Cherokee Roses, Dog Roses, Gallic Roses, French Roses, and Redleaf Roses. Species Roses flourish in temperate climates, and can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere.

Old Garden Roses

Unlike Species Roses, which existed millions of years before humans walked the earth, Old Garden Roses are a class identified as of 1867.

Most Old Garden Roses bloom once a season, usually with the start of summer. Old Garden Roses grow in several shrub and vine sizes. Although colors can vary, this class are usually white or pastel in color. These "antique roses" are generally preferred for lawns and home gardening because they are easy to grow.

Several groupings of roses classified as Old Garden Roses are China, Tea, Moss, Damask, Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual and Noisette roses. Many antique roses have a strong, sweet scent, which makes them very popular.

Modern Roses

Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. Any rose identified after 1867, is considered a Modern Rose. This group is very popular. The Modern Rose is the result of crossbreeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus (a variety of primrose).

The colors of Modern Roses are varied, rich and vibrant. Most of the roses in this class will flower repeatedly under proper care. Perhaps that is why horticulturists find this class so attractive.

The most popular roses found in the class of Modern Roses are the hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. Although Modern Roses are adored by florists and gardeners, they do require proper care, and do not adapt well to colder environments.

Further Classification

After a rose has been classified into one of the 3 main groupings, it can then be further classified by color, scent, ancestry, date of introduction, growth habit, blooming characteristics and size. It is not always possible for horticulturists to classify every rose, especially the hybrid roses which can seem to be a grouping all their own.

But after a point, it is time to quit classifying and start growing. I think we have reached that point.