Rose Classification
Angie Noack

Although there is no one set of official classification
system of roses, there are many different popular rose
classification schemes that are employed throughout the world.
The most popular of the systems in use has been proposed by The
American Rose Society in cooperation with the World Federation
of Roses. Although this classification system is not the only
one in use, a large majority of internationally established
societies have adopted this scheme for classifying roses.

According to the American Rose Society, there are three main
groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern
Roses. Species Roses, the origin of every other rose class, are
commonly referred to as "wild roses." These "wild roses" are
easy to identify, as they normally have five petals, are
once-blooming, and are generally thorny shrubs or climbers.
Several popular Species Roses include: Cherokee Roses, Dog
Roses, Gallic Roses, French Roses, and Redleaf Roses. Species
Roses can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, as they
flourish in temperate climates.

Unlike Species Roses, which existed millions of years before
man walked the earth, Old Garden Roses are identified as a
major class of roses recognized before 1867.

Most Old Garden Roses bloom once per season, usually at the
arrival of summer. Old Garden Roses occur in a variety of shrub
and vine sizes. Although colors vary, Old Garden Roses are
typically white or pastel in color. These "antique roses" are
generally preferred for lawns and home gardening because they
are easy to care for. Several groupings of roses are classified
as Old Garden Roses including: China, Tea, Moss, Damask,
Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual and Noisette roses. Many "antique
roses" have a strong sweet scent, which makes them very
desirable.

Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. Any rose
which has been identified post 1867 is considered a Modern Rose.
This group of roses are very popular. The Modern Rose is the
result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus.
The colors of a Modern Rose are lovely, rich and vibrant. Most
of the roses found in this class flower repeatedly when cared
for properly. Perhaps that is why horticulturists find this
class so attractive. The most popular roses found in the class
of Modern Roses are the hybrid tea, floribunda, and
grandiflora. Although Modern Roses are adored by florists and
gardeners, they do not adapt well to colder environments.

After a rose has been classified according to the three main
groupings, a rose can then be further classified by color,
scent, growth habit, ancestry, date of introduction, blooming
characteristics and size. It is very difficult for
horticulturists to classify every rose, especially the hybrid
roses which often seem like a grouping of their own. While
there has been much debate on classifying roses, the American
Rose Society appears to have the most functional system for
these stages of classification. Perhaps this is why the
American Rose Society's classification system has been adopted
by so many rosarians the world over.

Angie Noack is a home and garden strategist
with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to
combine these two skills, she's able to help gardeners save
time and increase productivity. You can find her online at
http://www.ranchrose.com


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