Differences from the Varieties of Roses

Roses (Rosa spp.) Are a popular flowering shrub planted in home gardens. Roses are grouped into three classes: bush, climbing and shrub. All of these rose forms appear in both modern and old garden roses. Modern roses are those plants bred since 1867 when the first hybrid tea rose was introduced. Old garden roses are the ones around before that historic date, which include wild roses. The differences between rose varieties contain plant size, flower fragrance and the amount of blossoms.

Size

Rose varieties can be found in many distinct sizes. Climbing roses are the biggest of the roses since the stems act like vines and climb upwards on supports. Standard rose bush varieties are generally 36 inches tall, whilst terrace rose shrubs are between 18 to 24 inches high. Groundcover roses produce low mounds 24 to 30 inches tall spreading up to 8 feet broad. Polyanthus rose varieties grow less than 24 inches high. The smallest of the rose varieties is the mini rose, which reaches less than 12 inches tall.

Blooming Time

Rose breeders have hybridized roses throughout the centuries attempting to extend their flowering season. Modern roses are almost ever-blooming, such as the hybrid musk tree climbed. Grandifloras, floribundas and polyanthas produce a high number of blossoms from spring until fall. Most conservative varieties bloom only annually. These old garden roses include damask roses (Rosa damascena) along with centifolia roses (Rosa centifolia), together with both kinds blooming in the spring.

Fragrance

The kinds of rose scents (more than 24 in all) vary widely, including rose, orris, purple, purple, apple, wine and cedar. Many varieties of roses have a scent, but some do not. Nearly all old-fashioned rose varieties have scent. “Double Delight” hybrid tea rose (Rosa “Double Delight”) produces a sweet creamy odor in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9. Not a lot of floribunda varieties generate a strong scent, but “Honey Perfume” floribunda rose (Rosa “Honey Perfume”) gives off a powerful spicy honey-like fragrance in USDA zones 6 through 10. “Sun Sprinkles” miniature rose (Rosa “Sun Sprinkles”) rises well in USDA zones 6 through 10 and gives off a hot musky odor.

Cut Flowers

Many varieties of roses produce sprays or groups of blossoms, which do not make the very best cut flowers. For cut flowers, look for varieties with only a single blossom in addition to a long stem, which are commonly found one of the hybrid tea roses. This increased variety produces conical-shaped blossomsthat appear like the classic romantic rose. One rose variety acceptable for cut flowers is the “Double Delight” hybrid tea rose (Rosa “Double Delight”), that grows best in USDA zones 6 through 10. This hybrid rose variety produces cream-colored blooms with red petal tips, which appear from early spring throughout summer.

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