The question of how many different types of roses exist does not have a single, fixed number, as the answer depends entirely on the method of classification. The family of roses begins with the genus Rosa, which encompasses all true roses, from wild species to the most complex man-made hybrids. Roses are divided across three major groups: the original wild species, the historically significant Old Garden Roses, and the vast, continually expanding world of Modern Roses. This complex taxonomy means that the total count is dynamic, shifting from a few hundred natural types to tens of thousands of named varieties.
The Natural Foundation of Roses
The biological basis for all cultivated roses lies in the naturally occurring species, often referred to as “wild roses” or “species roses.” These are the original, non-hybridized types that evolved naturally without human intervention. The number of accepted species in the genus Rosa is generally placed between 100 and 300, a range that reflects ongoing debate and classification challenges among botanists.
These species roses are predominantly native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Their greatest genetic diversity is concentrated in Asia, particularly China, with other significant populations found across Europe and North America. Wild roses typically feature simple, five-petaled flowers that bloom just once per season.
Defining the Major Horticultural Classes
The system for classifying garden roses is rooted in history and genetic lineage. This distinction separates the ancient varieties from the modern hybrids created through intentional cross-breeding. The year 1867 serves as the dividing line for this classification system.
Classes established before 1867 are collectively known as Old Garden Roses. This group includes historical types known for their intense fragrance and often once-blooming nature. Old Garden Roses also include the Bourbons and Hybrid Perpetuals, which introduced the ability to rebloom later in the season.
- Gallicas
- Damasks
- Portlands
- Bourbons
- Hybrid Perpetuals
The second category is Modern Roses, comprising all classes developed after 1867. This era was ushered in by the introduction of the first Hybrid Tea rose, known for its elegant, high-centered bloom form borne singly on long stems. Other widely grown Modern classes include the Floribundas, which produce flowers in large clusters, and the Grandifloras, which combine the cluster-flowering habit with the bloom size of a Hybrid Tea.
Why the Numerical Count Is Always Changing
The massive number of rose types stems from the continuous work of hybridizers who create new variations, meaning the numerical count is constantly in flux. The term “cultivar,” which stands for “cultivated variety,” refers to a plant type that originated in cultivation and is maintained through propagation.
Estimates suggest there are over 40,000 named rose varieties. The official global register for new rose names is maintained by the American Rose Society, which acts as the International Cultivar Registration Authority for Roses (ICRAR). The registry contains over 37,000 entries of registered roses since 1930, and this database is regularly updated with new submissions.
The constant introduction of new hybrids by amateur and professional breeders, aimed at improving traits like disease resistance, color, and bloom cycle, ensures that a definitive, fixed total number remains impossible to determine.
Practical Grouping By Growth and Form
Roses are also categorized by their physical structure and how they perform in a garden setting. This practical grouping focuses on the plant’s habit.
One of the most recognizable practical groups is Climbing Roses, which develop long, flexible canes that require physical support to grow vertically. These are frequently used to cover walls, arbors, or pergolas. They should not be confused with true Ramblers, which typically produce even longer, more pliable canes.
Shrub Roses represent a broad, catch-all group for varieties that do not fit neatly into the formal Hybrid Tea or Floribunda categories but grow as large, bushy plants. This classification includes many modern hybrids prized for their hardiness and natural, informal growth habit. The smallest categories include Miniature Roses and Groundcover Roses, which are selected for their compact size or their ability to spread low across the soil surface.