A comprehensive guide to the different types of roses

There is an incredible diversity of roses, including a wide spectrum of species and cultivated varieties. Experts estimate that there are between 150 and 200 distinct species and a staggering 30,000 or more cultivated rose varieties. These can be broadly categorised into seven main groups, which we explore below.

Hybrid teas

These roses are known for their large, elegant, and high-centred blooms. They're commonly used in floral arrangements, popular in gardens, and can be easily preserved as keepsakes.

Floribundas

Floribundas produce clusters of smaller flowers, and are generally more compact and have a longer blooming season compared to hybrid teas.

Grandifloras

Grandifloras are a class of hybrid rose, known for their large, showy flowers. These roses are a cross between hybrid teas and floribundas, combining some of the best qualities of either parent group.

Climbing roses

These roses are known for their long, trailing canes and are often trained to grow on trellises, arbours, or walls.

Miniature roses

As the name suggests, miniature roses are small in size, making them suitable for pots and borders.

Shrub roses

Shrub roses encompass a diverse group of roses that are generally hardy and easy to care for. They come in various shapes and sizes.

Old Garden roses

Old Garden roses are a class that includes varieties developed before modern hybrid roses. They have a strong fragrance and a classic, timeless beauty.

Whether you're a gardening enthusiast or simply appreciate the charm of roses, these 12 varieties are sure to pique your interest and ignite your love for these timeless flowers.

Damask rose

The Damask rose, often referred to as the “Queen of Roses", is a floral masterpiece that has graced gardens for centuries. Originating from the Middle East, she boasts a sweet fragrance and is renowned for her role in perfume production.

China rose

The China rose is celebrated for its adaptability to various climates. It’s also well-known for being able to bloom repeatedly throughout the growing season, making it a firm favourite among gardeners of all stripes.

Mister Lincoln

Mister Lincoln is a well-known hybrid tea rose, named in honour of — you guessed it — the 16th President of the USA, Abraham Lincoln. This rose variety is celebrated for his show-stopping red flowers that look fantastic in bouquets.

Knock Out

The Knock Out is a modern shrub rose that has gained popularity due to its exceptional disease resistance, continuous blooming, and low maintenance. It comes in various hues, including red, pink, and yellow, and provides long-lasting pops of colour in gardens.

French rose

The term "French rose" encompasses a wide range of rose varieties bred in France. These can include hybrid tea roses, floribundas, and old garden roses. France has a rich tradition of rose breeding, and French roses are often celebrated for their beauty, fragrance, and adaptability to various growing conditions.

Beach rose

Beach roses are robust, hardy shrub roses native to Asia. They are frequently found along coastal areas and are characterised by their vibrant, pink or white blossoms and wrinkled, dark green leaves.

Sweet briar

Sweet briar is a wild rose species known for its strong, sweet fragrance. It produces small, pink, or white flowers and is valued for its aromatic foliage. The hips of sweet briar are also used to make herbal teas and jams.

Dog rose

A European native with simple charm, the dog rose is associated with the simpler, more innocent aspects of love. You can find it growing in Europe and Asia, and it has simple white or pink flowers. This rose is known for its red, elongated hips, which are often used in traditional herbal remedies.

White Rose of York

The White Rose of York is a historic symbol of the House of York in England, and doesn't refer to a specific rose variety. Itt symbolises purity and loyalty, with white roses generally associated with innocence and often used in weddings and formal events.

Multiflora rose

The multiflora rose, with its clusters of dainty, fragrant flowers, is the wild child of the rose family. However, it has a split personality — the multiflora rose charms with its looks but causes havoc by growing uncontrollably on very thorny stems. It’s a rose of contrasts that demands a watchful eye.

Eden Rose 85

A modern rose with a romantic appearance, the Eden Rose 85starts with large blooms in soft pink hues that mature into a pale silvery pink. This vigorous climber is a natural-born charmer, ideal for creating enchanting garden arches.

Rosa Peace

The Rosa Peace, commonly known as the Peace rose, is a hybrid tea rose celebrated for its unique, high-centred, yellow and pink bicolor blooms. It's one of the most famous and beloved roses globally, symbolising peace and tranquillity.

So, in a nutshell, roses come in all flavours, and you can find the perfect one for your vase, garden or bouquet, whether you want a showstopper or a no-fuss plant.

The hybrid tea rose stands out as perhaps the most ubiquitous and instantly recognisable rose variety. Renowned for its timeless, sophisticated appearance characterised by high-centred buds and long, robust stems, hybrid tea roses are a prime choice for cut flowers.

These roses delight with their captivating and varied fragrances, ranging from mild, delicate notes to sweet, and floral scents. There are countless hybrid tea rose cultivars, each with its own unique colour, form, and fragrance. Some popular examples include Peace, Mister Lincoln, and Queen Elizabeth.

Hybrid tea roses come in a wide spectrum of colours, from deep and passionate reds to pure and elegant whites, and even captivating bi-colour variations. Curious about the fascinating world of rose colours and their intricate meanings? Explore our article on this topic right here.

While we've barely scratched the surface of the countless rose species, we hope this article has given you a deeper appreciation for the breathtaking variety found in gardens, forests, and landscapes across the globe.

We've got all kinds of roses for you here at Euroflorist, from the classic red blooms to pure whites, and even a whole rainbow medley of these iconic flowers. Be sure to contact us to learn more about our flowers and delivery services.