One of the oldest rose families. All have
strong vigorous growth and grey-green leaves.
Some have hips. An Alba rose was chosen as
the White Rose of York.
Bourbons
Must be allowed plenty of space as most are
tall and wide. Sweetly scented. Cross between
China and Damask roses, brought over to Europe
from the French Island of Bourbon (now Reunion).
Flowers midsummer and autumn.
Centifolias
Lax growing plants, heavily petalled and
with a strong fragrance. Large drooping
leaves.
Damasks
Scent is the notable feature of this family
of old roses. Midsummer flowering only.
Hips insignificant. Lax and spreading.
Gallicas
The oldest family of cultivated roses. Generally
around 3½ft to 4ft. Midsummer flowering
only. No hips. Tough and hardy.
Hybrid
Musks
The Reverend Joseph Pemberton had most to
do with the creation of this family of roses.
With few exceptions delightfully fragrant.
Most are big shrubs and mix well in borders
with other trees and shrubs.
Hybrid
Perpetual
Developed chiefly in France in the latter
half of the 19th Century. Owes its origin
to a combination of all preceding groups.
Usually features very large double flowers
and most are scented.
Modern
Shrub Roses
Many families of roses have contributed to
the modern rose varieties. This group includes
the large hybrid teas, large floribundas,
modern hybrids which resemble old garden roses,
hybrids closely related to species and short
growing climbers.
New
English Roses
These shrubs bred by David Austin retain the
old rose style of flower but have the repeat
flowering ability of modern roses. Most are
fragrant.
Portlands
Although in the past the Portland roses have been grouped together with the Damasks it is now generally accepted that they are a separate class. They are mixture of R. Damascena, Gallicas and other influences. Amongst the Portland roses are some of the most useful of the old garden roses due to their willingness to flower and there usefulness in smaller gardens and for growing in containers.
Rugosas
Introduced in Europe in 1784 but not popular
because they were not good for cutting. There
were also more attractive roses. Only comparatively
recently have they gained acceptance. Varied
in colour and almost without exception fragrant.
Thick, dense and prickly foliage makes excellent
hedging and they do well on sandy soils and
in coastal areas under salty conditions.
Species
These are the original 5 petalled dog roses
which have grown in the wild state since the
beginning of time. Some listed below are garden
varieties very close in appearance to their
Briar parents.
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