Classifications of Modern Roses

The American Rose Society has been the final word in classifying rose types for many years and their 2007 edition of the ‚”Handbook for Selecting Roses” has Modern Roses listed in these general classifications.

A word about Modern Roses: This article will deal with roses created after the first hybrid tea ‘La France’ was introduced in 1867. The classifications of modern roses are based on growth habit, flower form and colors.

For information about the other classes of roses see “Classifications of Species and Old Garden Roses”.

Hybrid Tea and Grandiflora Roses

• Hybrid Tea Roses-The most popular and prolific of the modern rose classes, hybrid teas have shapely blooms prized by florists and as cut flowers. Large blooms with 30-50 petals are born on long, strong stems either singly or in small clusters. Hybrid teas are generally compact shrubs but can be prone to disease and while blooms are highly attractive in appearance, they are generally not fragrant. Hardy zones 5-9 or 10.
• Grandiflora Roses – Grandifloras came as a cross between the ‘Charlotte Armstrong’ hybrid tea rose and the floribunda ‘Floradora’ rose in 1954. ‘Queen Elizabeth’ was the first grandiflora and had the beautiful flowers of the hybrid tea but the 8′ stature of the floribunda and its ability to bear flowers in clusters or trusses. Hardy zones 4-9.

Floribunda and Polyantha Roses

• Floribunda Roses – The floribunda carries its roses in large clusters, or trusses, with multiple blooms open at a time. These rose plants are hardy and easier to care for and are popular landscape roses. Plant floribundas in a group to provide a continuous mass of color since floribunda roses are continuously blooming throughout the season. Hardy zones 5-9.
• Polyantha Roses – Polyanthas are short stout plants with large clusters of tiny 1″ roses. Ever-blooming rose plants that are easy-to-grow, polyanthas make great roses for the front of the border, small garden spaces or edging plants. Hardy zones 4-9.

Miniature and Mini-Flora Roses

• Miniature Roses – Miniature rose plants are identical in form to hybrid teas and floribundas but have an average size of 15-20 inches. They are generally easy-to-grow and useful in containers, rock gardens and border edges. Hardiness zones vary.
• Mini-Flora Roses – Only recognized as a separate classification by the American Rose Society since 1999, mini-floras fall in-between miniature roses and floribunda roses in size. Mini-floras are considered small shrubs in the landscape and are under 3′ but are larger than traditional miniature roses. These rose plants are also called ‚”maxi-minis” or ‚”patio roses” because they are excellent for containers. Hardiness zones vary according to specific cultivars.

Shrub Roses

The shrub rose classification varies in terms of flower form and color. According to the American Rose Society ‚”There are five popular subdivisions within the class: hybrid kordesii, hybrid moyesii, hybrid musk, hybrid rugosa and shrub.” These rose plants are usually sprawling in nature and will grow vigorously up to 15′ depending on the specific rose.

A special collection of roses that fall into this category are the English Roses developed by David Austin. These ‚”new old roses” look like the old garden roses in form and fragrance but are repeat or continuous blooming like many of the modern roses.

Large Flowered Climber and Hybrid Wichurana Roses

• Large Flowered Climbing Roses – Arching canes that grow very long and can climb with support. Highly varied in terms of flower forms, shapes and colors. Hardiness zones also vary.
• Hybrid Wichurana Roses – Rambling roses that are usually spring flowering tall growing roses. Hybrid plants developed from Rosa Wichurana these sprawling roses make equally good ground covers or climbing roses. General hardy zones 5-9.

Finding out the classification of a rose plant will help you learn a little bit about how you can expect it to perform in the garden. The other thing to consider in selecting a rose is the color of the flower. So many choices – it isn’t an easy decision to make but it sure is a fun one!

Join the discussion about roses and share your favorites or how you plan to use them in your garden!