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There are many different popular rose classification formats around the world; there is no one set of "official" classification. The most popular format was begun by The American Rose Society in cooperation with the World Federation of Roses. Even though this classification is not the only one in use today, a large majority of internationally established societies have adopted the format for classifying rose plants.
According to the ARS, there are 3 main groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern Roses. Species roses are the origin of all other classes and are commonly referred to as "wild roses". This variety is easily identified by their once-blooming tendency. They produce blooms with five petals and are generally thorny shrubs or climbers. Popular Species Rose include; Cherokee Roses, Dog Roses, Gallic Roses, French
Roses, and Redleaf Roses. They are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere because they thrive in temperate climates.
While Species Roses existed millions of years before man, Old Garden Roses are identified as a class of roses recognized before 1867.
Old Garden Roses generally bloom once per season around the arrival of summer. This plant occurs in a variety of shrub and vine sizes. Colors do vary, however this variety is most likely white or pastel in color. They are generally preferred for lawns or home gardening because they are relatively easy to care for. Several varieties are classified as Old Garden Roses including: China, Tea, Moss, Damask, Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual, and Noisette roses.
They are desirable because their blooms produce a strong, sweet fragrance.
Old Garden Roses are considered the predecessors of Modern Roses. All roses identified after 1867 are considered Modern Roses. This group of roses is quite popular. It is a result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus. The colors produced by Modern Roses are generally rich and vibrant. Most of the plants in this classification will bloom repeatedly when properly maintained another reason the class is so attractive. Popular roses in this
class include: hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. This classification does not adapt well in cold environments.
A rose is not only classified according to the main three groupings but is also further classified by its color, scent, growth habit, ancestry, date of introduction, blooming characteristics and size. It is very difficult to classify each type of rose, especially hybrid roses which many times seem like a grouping of their own. Amidst the debate the American Rose Society's classification seems to be the most functional and because of this the system has
been adopted by many gardeners. |
