What are the different classifications of roses that exist? This is a common question that arises when one is considering starting a rose garden. It may come as a surprise and it may start a debate among rose lovers but all roses are basically the same. Now before you discount that statement, let us look at the facts.



Yes, roses are typically classified into groups with similar growth habits, hardiness, shape of the flower and other characteristics. However, this is not as easy to do today as it once was. This is because the different varieties of roses have been cross bred and re-cross bred so many times that modern roses have the characteristics of several of the classes of roses. Nevertheless the rose literature still lists roses in specific classes even though they have common characteristics with many of the other classes of roses.

Probably one of the best and easiest ways to classify roses is on their habit of growth. Based on the habit of growth, roses case be classified as bush roses or climbing roses. Bush roses are generally thought of as self-supporting (free standing) and can grow up to six feet tall. The bush roses are thought of as the most versatile as they do not need to be planted up against something up which to climb. Climbing roses on the other hand must be provided with some sort of support for them to grow along. Climbing roses are best planted up against a building or structure such as a fence or gazebo.

A common type of bush rose is the hybrid teas rose. The hybrid teas are probably the most widely grown and are more popular than most of the other roses combined. Other bush roses include old roses, shrub roses, grandifloras, floribundas, and tree roses.

Climbing roses can be further classed as ramblers, climbing hybrid teas, pillar roses, ever blooming climbers and climbing floribundas to name a few. A main value of the climbing roses is to cover bare walls or fences. In addition if provided with the correct support, climbing roses can even replace a standard fence to provide a sturdy barrier.