Roses are diverse plants, and determining the specific type requires careful observation of several distinct characteristics, including history, flower form, and growth structure. By systematically assessing these traits, you can narrow down the possibilities and accurately classify your plant. This guide provides a practical framework for identifying the type of rose growing in your garden.
The Primary Distinction: Old Garden Roses Versus Modern Roses
The first step in rose identification involves determining whether your plant is an Old Garden Rose (OGR) or a Modern Rose. This historical classification is based on the year 1867, which marked the introduction of the first Hybrid Tea rose, ‘La France.’ Roses belonging to classes that existed before this date are designated as Old Garden Roses, also known as antique or heirloom roses.
Old Garden Roses are characterized by a vigorous, often sprawling growth habit and a heavy, classic fragrance. Many varieties of OGRs are once-blooming, meaning they produce a single, spectacular flush of flowers in late spring or early summer. These older types are robust, requiring less maintenance and demonstrating good natural resistance to disease.
In contrast, Modern Roses were developed after 1867 and include the majority of roses grown today. The primary innovation of the Modern Rose, particularly the Hybrid Tea, was the ability to bloom repeatedly, or even continuously, throughout the growing season. Modern cultivars often exhibit a more upright, compact, or structured growth habit compared to the older, more casual forms. While some modern types retain a strong scent, fragrance was sometimes bred out in favor of flower form and color.
Classifying Roses Based on Bloom and Flower Form
Once the historical category is established, the next level of identification focuses on the specific form and arrangement of the flowers. The iconic high-centered bloom—where petals unfurl in a pointed, spiral shape—is the hallmark of the Hybrid Tea rose. Hybrid Teas typically produce large, solitary blooms, one per long, straight stem, making them the preferred choice for cut flowers.
A different bloom arrangement defines the Floribunda rose, which is known for producing flowers in large clusters or sprays. While Floribunda flowers are generally smaller than Hybrid Teas, the sheer number of blooms creates a powerful landscape effect. The Grandiflora class represents an intermediate type, resulting from a cross between Hybrid Teas and Floribundas, and it features clusters of high-centered blooms on long stems.
Flower fullness, or petal count, is another identifying feature, categorized from single (five to ten petals) to very full (over 40 petals). Polyantha roses are related to Floribundas and are distinguished by their very small flowers, often less than two inches across, produced in massive clusters. Miniature roses are true roses in every aspect but size, featuring small flowers and foliage on very compact, low-growing plants. Observing the petal structure, whether it is cupped, quartered, or reflexed, offers further clues to the rose’s identity.
Understanding Growth Habits and Structure
The final classification layer considers the rose’s structure and cane characteristics. Shrub Roses are the most varied group, encompassing a wide range of sizes. They are generally bushy and dense, forming an informal, self-supporting shape. Many modern types, including Hybrid Teas and Floribundas, are often grown in a shrub habit.
When a rose grows long, flexible canes that require structural support, it is classified as either a Climber or a Rambler. Climbing Roses typically have thicker, more rigid canes that can be trained along a trellis or archway. They produce larger, more refined flowers that bloom repeatedly throughout the summer.
Rambler Roses are characterized by exceptionally long, thin, and pliable canes that are highly vigorous. They are best suited for covering large structures and typically produce smaller flowers in massive clusters. Ramblers are often limited to a single, spectacular bloom period each year. Groundcover Roses are low-growing varieties that spread horizontally and are valued for their repeat-blooming and low maintenance qualities.