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Ancient Cultivated Roses
Ancient roses are those whose ancestry is lost in time. This group is comprised of roses which have been grown in gardens
for many centuries, but are distinguished from species. Usually produced from seed or cuttings, the fact remains that these
roses have been around for a long time and are important influences in the production of old and new garden roses. Modern
science is exploring the genetic makeup of roses and new information is being discovered about the oldest roses every day.
Often the same rose will be known under more than one name as people in one area may not have known it was being grown elsewhere
or deliberately renamed it to generate sales. To produce interest in a rose declining in appeal, merchants might have renamed
it just to make it appear to be different. This group will have well-defined characteristics.
Alba Roses
Albas are a very ancient group of roses, so their ancestry is uncertain. It is thought there was a species alba; others
believe it to be a canina-damask cross. Pliny the Elder describes a rose thought to be an alba at the beginning of the first
millennium. Several paintings in the 1400s depict white roses which are believed to be albas. They are white to pale pink
in color, dull gray green foliage, single bloom, strong fragrance. Flowers are large, double to very double in form. Canes
can be tall and loose and may benefit from being against a fence or other support, or can be bent over and pegged to the ground
to produce flowers all along the stem. It is shade tolerant and very hardy; yet this rose blooms best on old wood, so winter
protection for the canes is mandatory. Alba Maxima, Celestial and Great Maiden’s Blush are examples of this rose.
Centifolia Roses
The hundred-petaled rose of Dutch paintings. Also called Provence rose or cabbage rose. Some believe there may have been
a species of this type; others believe it to be a cross between the alba rose and the Autumn Damask. A fist century scholar,
Pliny the Elder, described a rose thought to be the centifolia. Its sweet scent led it to be used in the production of rose
water. Long canes often fall over with the weight of the flowers. Large, coarse leaves, white, deep red, pink or lavender
flowers. This rose blooms on old wood, so winter protection for the canes is a must. It would be helpful to use support for
the canes to prevent breakage. This rose is highly mutable. Miniature versions of this rose are called pom-pom roses. Moss
roses began as a sport of centifolias as well. One can also find pompom type roses among the moss roses. Fantin Latour, Rose
de Meaux and Village Maid are examples of this rose.
Chinese Roses
These roses were grown in China long before being brought to Europe. In addition, there are many species roses originating
in China, Tibet and other places in Asia. While Chinese gardeners and botanists have cultivated roses for at least 5,000 years,
they were considered far less important in the garden than many other plants – such as lotus, camellias, pine and
cherry trees. Perhaps because they were so easy to grow in their native climate, it was easy to forget about them in the interest
of growing more difficult plants. Looking at Chinese art, many plants are used in decorating screens, fabrics and pottery,
but rarely does one see roses in those instances. Far different from today, where roses have been the main floral decoration
in this country since its inception. The practice of Feng Shui places roses in the love/marriage section.
China Rose
The plant we call the china rose, when first brought to Europe, could not survive in many places outside the greenhouse.
Roses already in Europe developed scales which covered the bud axial, protecting the bud from weather extremes. China roses
lack this feature, which along with a habit of free-flowing sap, leaves which may not abscise; continual bloom and a tendency
to clean its stems of dead blossoms, which characterize the type. It is also its lack of bud scales which allows it to reproduce
flowers so quickly again and again; this lack also allows it to be damaged quickly in cold weather. Flower color ranges from
deepest red through all ranges of pink to white. This plant forms a single large blossom on the end of a long stem. The bushes
tend to be scraggly and uneven in form, with large shiny leaves. But it was the only rose which bloomed continually throughout
the season. Crossed with single-blooming roses, it changed the rose world. Old Blush is the name given to one of the first
roses brought from China. Slater’s Crimson China is another, as is Parson’s Pink China. Park’s
Yellow Tea-Scented China was the first ‘tea’ rose brought to Europe and these four roses constitute the
European foundation for repeat blooming roses today.
Tea Rose
Yes, there is a tea rose, although it is actually a hybrid between R. china and gigantea species roses. Originating in
ancient China, this rose’s fragrance is similar to that of tea leaves used for brewing the popular drink and can
be strong or faint. Tea roses were crossed with noisette and bourbon roses and again with hybrid perpetuals to create the
modern hybrid tea. Size can range from very tall to short and sparse, with few thorns and large, floppy flowers. Colors are
from reds and pinks to oranges and yellows as well as white. It is a tender rose and not suitable for Wyoming’s
climate. Safrano is an example of this rose.
Damask Roses
Crusading knights brought this rose back to Europe in the 1200s. It is reputed to be a R. gallica-R. phoenicia cross and
spread over Asia Minor and throughout the Near East and Middle East, where the knights found it in Damascus, thus giving its
name. Only the Autumn Damask repeats its bloom. Several names are given to this rose; Damask Perpetual, Monthly Rose, Quartre
Saisons, and Bifera. Prior to Rosa chinensis being introduced in Europe, the repeating Damask was used to develop roses with
remontant bloom. Semi double to double blossoms, white to deep pink in color. Flowers are usually solitary; although there
may be more than one on each branch. Its scent is the strongest of all roses. Vigorous growth, vase-shaped bush with large
finely dentate dull rough leaves, oval in shape and may be light green in color. Thorns are nearly straight and tan to brown
in color. While hardy in the Mediterranean, it may be too tender for Wyoming winters; protect thoroughly. Banshee, Ispahan
and Celsiana are examples of this rose. Another is called Trigintipetala; this rose was and is used for the production of
rose oil.
Gallica Roses
The rose of the Roman feasts, along with damask roses. Originating in Persia, this rose became widespread over Europe,
cultivated by monks and grown in castle kitchen gardens. It is sometimes called the French Rose. They are usually deep pink
to crimson in color with semi double to double petals. Some may have stripes or splashes of color on the petals. Very hardy
and aromatic with a single bloom period, dull foliage and compact growth. It is fairly tolerant of poor soils. Tuscany, Apothecary’s
Rose and Cardinal de Richelieu are examples of this rose.
Old Garden Roses
Old garden roses have come about by means of deliberate (or accidental) crossing of different roses to achieve a certain
goal – repeat flowering, additional colors or form, etc. While there was some rose breeding in monasteries, credit
for large scale breeding and development should go to the Empress Josephine, whose rose collections and gardens at Chateau
La Malmaison began a cultivation frenzy which has never abated. The cutoff date for this group is 1867 when what is considered
to be the first hybrid tea was introduced to the market. It should be noted there was a period of development from approximately
1849 on, during which several roses which could be termed hybrid teas were used to establish the type.
Agathe Roses
A little-known group of roses; often lumped in with gallicas. They are thought to be a R. damask-R. frankofurtana cross.
Compact growth, small to medium flowers in shades of pink characterize this group. Roses with R. francofurtana ancestry tend
to have difficulty in opening the blossoms. Bouquet Rose de Venus is an example of this rose.
Bourbon Roses
First known from the Isle de Bourbon in the Indian Ocean. Spotty records make identification of heritage difficult but
one theory is these roses came from damask-china rose crosses. Another guess is gallica, damask and hybrid perpetual ancestry.
Repeat bloom indicates china rose ancestry. The type was developed beginning about 1820. Many-petaled, white, pinks, scarlet,
purples, non-shiny foliage. Flowers tend to ‘ball.’ Large, sprawly bush often benefits from being tied
to a fence or post. Very fragrant. May not be hardy enough for Wyoming. Souvenir de la Malmaison, La Reine Victoria and Mme.
Pierre Oger are examples of this rose.
Boursault Roses
These roses were said to be bred from R. pendulina crossed with china roses. Their chromosome number suggests rather that
they were bred from R. majilis or R. blanda. Nearly thornless, large climbing bushes. Large red or pink flowers may repeat
later in the season. Some of these have colorful fall foliage. Morletii is an example of this rose.
Hybrid Perpetual Roses
The name is misleading; while most of these roses will repeat their bloom, they tend not to bloom continually. Bourbon
roses re-crossed with damask perpetuals produced this type. Densely petaled flowers rangingfrom white to all shades of red
on tall bushes are typical of this rose. These are the forerunners of hybrid tea roses. Moderately hardy shrubs may do well
in Wyoming winters. La Reine Violette, Paul Neyron and Ferdinand Pichard are examples of this rose.
Moss Roses
Originating from centifolias, moss roses have glandular growths on the buds, sepals and pedicels of the flowers. It can
be quite hardy and it is an interesting addition to the garden. Flowers tend to be small, many-petaled and/or scentless. Some
are fairly hardy and would make an interesting addition to the garden. Most are single bloomers. Henri Martin and Crested
Moss are examples of this rose.
Noisette Roses
This was the first rose hybridized in the United States, by John Champney of Charleston, South Carolina. It came about
by crossing Rosa moschata with china roses. Flower colors range from white to deepest red, with yellows and blush pinks as
well. Usually quite large, with hundreds of small blooms, it is usually too tender for Wyoming winters. As it gets too large
to manage in a container, this rose is not recommended. Blush Noisette is an example of this rose.
Pernetiana Roses
These roses were developed by one Monsieur Pernet-Ducher of France, around 1820. Up until this time, all repeating roses
were shades of red, pink, purple or white. M. Pernet-Ducher wanted yellow roses which would flower repeatedly. Using the Persian
Yellow rose to cross with hybrid perpetuals, he eventually succeeded. There are very few yellow- or orange-hued hybrid teas,
floribundas, etc., which do not trace back to this group of roses. Most of these roses are not hardy in Wyoming and are usually
lumped under hybrid teas in catalogs. Soleil d’Or is an example of this rose.
Polyantha Roses
A cross between china roses and the multiflora species rose. Small flowers in large clusters are characteristic of this
plant. These repeat their bloom throughout the season. Some may be hardy but most will need extra care in Wyoming. Cecile
Brunner, Mother’s Day and Marie Pavie are examples of this rose.
Portland Roses
This rose is believed to be a cross between the Autumn Damask and the Apothecary Rose. Pink to red in color, semi to double
petals, compact growth and sometimes fairly hardy once established. Duchess of Portland is an example of this rose.
Turbinata Roses
This group is derived from R. francofurtana, which is a cross between R. gallica and R. majilis. Big floppy blossoms and
large leaves, as well as difficulty in opening blossoms characterize this type of rose. Francofurtana is a bushy, wide-spreading
rose with smooth stems producing loosely formed, rounded, semi-double flowers with wavy-margined, bright pink petals and deeper
pink veining with grayish green leaves. Imperatrice Josephine is an example of this rose.
Modern Roses
Usually modern roses are simply lumped into groups such as hybrid teas, floribundas, shrubs, etc. However, there are subgroups
within each group which are noteworthy for their own particular characteristics. Sometimes these roses are developed for a
purpose, but as always, fashion, marketing and sales drive the success or failure of rose groups.
Buck Roses
While bred by Dr. Griffin Buck to be hardy in Iowa winters, these roses often struggle in Wyoming. A lack of humidity,
high altitude and a short, relatively cool summer often work against the plants. Some have been successful with a lot of winter
protection and placed in a location which gathers heat. There is a lot of hybrid tea and floribunda ancestry in these roses.
In fact, the whole line of Carefree roses were developed by Griffin Buck. Carefree Beauty is an example of this rose.
Canadian Roses
Bred for cold hardiness, often with rugosa or Kordesii parentage, these roses are unparalleled in surviving Wyoming winters.
Many colors and flower forms. There are several series of roses from Canada: the Prairie series, the Explorer series, the
Parkland series and the Canadian Artist series. All are shrubs, although some can be trained as climbers or pillars.
Canadian Artist Roses
A private group of growers has taken on the challenge of developing roses for cold climates in conjunction with Agriculture
Canada, the research branch of the Canadian government which had discontinued its efforts. Hardiness and repeat bloom are
the main qualities looked for in these plants. Felix Le Clerc and Emily Carr are examples of this rose.
Explorer Roses
Developed by the Canadian government in first in Ontario and then in L’Assomption, Quebec to withstand the prairie
climate, these roses are very hardy and often superb to plant in Wyoming. Their parentage often includes rugosa or Kordesii
roses. William Baffin is an example of this rose.
Parkland Roses
Developed at the Morden Research Centre, Manitoba, Canada to be hardy and repeat bloom, these roses do very well in Wyoming.
They do best where snow covers the ground in winter; otherwise some protection must be arranged for them. Another name for
these roses is Morden roses; Morden Sunrise is an example of this rose.
Prairie Roses
These were the first roses developed in Manitoba by the Canadian government in the 1940s. Using North American species
roses, such as R. arkansana, roses were created which were robust and hardy but mostly single bloomers. Buck roses were later
used as breeding stock to enhance repeat bloom. Hardiness is variable because Buck roses have considerable china rose ancestry.
Prairie Dawn is an example of this rose.
Climber Roses
It should be said first that roses do not ‘climb’ as in attaching to a wall or other support and growing,
as does ivy, for example. Climbing roses simply grow very long canes and usually must be fastened to a trellis or wall to
keep it upright. While it is possible for the thorns to hook into a plant and support it that way, some are nearly thornless.
Many roses are in this category simply because the canes grow taller than 10 feet but less than 20. Some of these are single
bloomers and others repeat. Flowers can be differing sizes as well; often a rose may be described as a large-flowered climber
in catalogs. Often a rose in another category produces a climbing form, which is then developed and sold separately from the
original. Some can be hardy and do well in Wyoming. The canes must be protected against cold temperatures to prevent dieback.
Climbing Iceberg is an example of this rose.
EarthKind Roses
Many types of roses are included in this group. Its basic premise is the rose must be able to survive on organic fertilizer
and without being sprayed for pests or diseases to be included. So far, most roses in this group appear to be of tea, china,
bourbon and polyantha ancestry, which is a china-multiflora cross, and noisette, which is a china-moschata cross. Usually
these are too tender for Wyoming winters. Marie Daly is an example of this rose.
English Roses
David Austin began cultivating this group and others are following suit. There are many different sizes and growth habits
in this group – from ground covers to climbers. The plants combine the old rose look: very double blossoms with
modern reblooming capabilities. This means there is a lot of china rose ancestry which makes most of the plants tender and
difficult to maintain in Wyoming. Some are on their own roots – most are budded onto rootstock. Own-root plants
are better for Wyoming. A well-protected area is necessary to grow this rose here, and winter coverage is mandatory. Chianti,
Graham Thomas and Gertrude Jeckyll are examples of this rose
Floribunda Roses
First developed in 1912, these are basically a cross between polyantha roses and hybrid teas. Often more hardy than tea
roses, they may still need extra protection in the winter. It blooms in clusters at the end of the stems. As with hybrid teas,
there are literally thousand of specimens in this group. Iceberg is perhaps the most famous example of this rose.
Flower Carpet Roses
These roses were developed in Germany, by Noack Roses, who also developed the Knockout series of roses. It is also called
the Wonder Rose. They are low growing roses, billed as ground covers. With wichuriana, eglanteria and polyantha ancestry,
it has masses of small flowers and repeats its bloom, which makes it very attractive to gardeners. Five colors are available
– pink, red, white, yellow and coral. Often the blossoms are white at the center of the petals, indicating their
eglanteria ancestry. The claim is they do not need to be sprayed for diseases, which can make them very popular in humid areas.
It is also supposed to be shade tolerant. Hardiness claims range from zone 5 to 10. This is tenderer than can survive in Wyoming
without considerable care. One source indicates that if planted in zones 6 and below, winter protection is mandatory. It is
possible to grow this in a container so it can be brought inside for the winter. These are usually found in big box stores
and garden centers. It is rare to find them in mail order nurseries. The roses are simply called Flower Carpet Red, Flower
Carpet Pink, and so on. One is called Flower Carpet Apple Blossom, a pink and white flowered plant.
Grandiflora Roses
This group was developed about 1950. Floribundas and hybrid teas were crossed to produce a plant which produced clusters
of large flowers on tall bushes. Always grafted, it is usually tender and needs considerable winter protection. Queen Elizabeth,
Crimson Bouquet and Melodie Parfumee are examples of this rose.
Ground Cover Roses
Low growing, sprawling roses, often with small flowers were developed in the 1980s. These may not do well in Wyoming and
are not candidates for containers, as they spread too much to be easily transportable. Shrubs often grow no more than 2 feet
tall. Check the ancestry of a ground cover rose before buying. A series of roses called Pavement are reputed to be hardy.
Pink Pavement, Purple Pavement and Scarlet Pavement as well as Seafoam are examples of this rose.
Hybrid Tea Roses
The most popular rose in today’s market. Technically it does not continually bloom, as it must go through a
period where the blossoms are developed on the plant and there are no flowers, but once it has begun to bloom, there are always
flowers opening on the plant somewhere. It was developed by taking hybrid perpetual roses and crossing them with china roses
to obtain the nearly perpetual blooming. Its form is upright and the flowers form singly at the end of long stems. Always
grafted these days, it is rarely sturdy enough to survive winter without intense protection. Another rose for containers,
or should be heavily protected during the cold season. Double Delight is one example of this rose.
Jackson Perkins Roses
One of the largest rose breeders in the U.S. Their lines include the Simplicity hedge roses and a vast number of hybrid
teas and floribundas. In the early part of the 20th century they released many interesting roses, such as Dorothy Perkins,
a wichuriana hybrid. Most of these roses are not hardy enough for Wyoming. John F. Kennedy is one of the most famous of their
products.
Knockout Roses
Clusters of flowers on a compact bush characterize this group of roses. The individual flowers are not large, but put
on a showy display. It repeats its bloom until frost occurs. With enough protection, these roses can be grown in Wyoming.
Pink Knockout is an example of this rose.
Kordesii Roses
From Germany, these roses are often used in breeding programs to impart hardiness to the rose being developed. This is
a rugosa-wichuriana cross which is very hardy and beautiful in the garden. Wilhelm Kordes is the breeder. As with all rugosas,
soil needs to be amended heavily. Maigold is an example of this rose.
Meilland Roses
A group of roses from a French hybridizer(Conard Pyle), some of which are hardy and yet tender for Wyoming. Usually they
are hybrid teas crossed with species (often rugosa), which augments their hardiness, but still need protection here. The rugosa
ancestry mandates soil amending. Morden Blush is an example of this rose.
Miniature Roses
A sometimes surprisingly hardy rose, it may be its compactness is a factor for survival. Perfect tiny single to very double
flowers in all colors make this a good rose for small spots in the garden. Some are fragrant, others are not. As this category
develops, climbing miniatures and micro-minis are being developed as well. There is also a group called mini-flora, which
is larger than miniatures but smaller than regular roses. These may also be called patio roses. Jingle Bells is an example
of this rose.
Musk Roses
Originating from a breeder, the Reverend Joseph Pemberton, and are sometimes called Pemberton roses. Tall, arching canes
with small flowers in clusters, Strong aroma, many colors. Tender for Wyoming, but may survive if protected properly. May
be best in a container to be brought indoors. Himalayan Musk Rose is an example of this rose.
Paul Barden Roses
It isn’t only David Austin who breeds modern roses with old fashioned flowers. Paul Barden is developing several
roses with the look of old garden roses and some of them are single bloomers as well. It is probable these will not be hardy
enough for Wyoming. Marianne, October Moon and Unconditional Love are examples of this rose.
Pillar Roses
These roses tend to get tall and put on a good display of flowers, but not enough for covering a large area as ramblers
or climbers would be. Its main distinction is that the canes grow very upright and are able to support themselves. Because
it tends to be smaller, it may be easier to grow and protect. We’ll call roses which get up to ten feet in height
pillar roses. American Pillar, William Baffin and Dr. Harry Upshall are examples of this rose.
Poulson Roses
These are roses which were bred to be hardy in Denmark. Using polyanthas crossed with hybrid teas, the breeder, D.T. Poulson
introduced what is considered the first floribunda rose in 1912. There are floribundas, hybrid teas and several miniatures
were developed as well. There is a line of roses called Renaissance Roses from this breeder, and another called Town and Country.
Many are considered to be hardy to zone 4 (with protection), which could make them usable in Wyoming. Red Wing is an example
of this rose.
Rambler Roses
Ramblers have semperviren, wichuriana or multiflora ancestry and could be fairly hardy if the canes receive enough protection.
This type of rose grows very large and sprawling, 20 feet or more. Multiflora ramblers tend to be more upright than those
of wichuriana ancestry. Also, ramblers with blue-ish flowers are of multiflora stock. Long shoots grow up from the ground
and produce flowers the following year. For this reason alone, it tends not to do well in Wyoming, as severe cane dieback
is a problem. Once the canes have flowered, they must be pruned away to make room for new shoots. Dorothy Perkins, for example,
is a wichuriana hybrid in this group. Alchemist, New Dawn and Alberic Barbier are examples of this rose.
Rugosa Roses
Originating in Japan and Siberia, this rose can take harsh climate, drought conditions, almost anything except alkaline
soil. A species which has been successfully developed into many shrub roses, it is very hardy and comes in many colors and
flower forms. Many Canadian roses have this in their background. It needs acidic soil, so will need extra amendment in Wyoming
soils. Blanc Double de Coubert and Grootendorst Pink are examples of this rose.
Shrub Roses
A category which includes specimens from all other groups of roses. It usually means a plant which grows in a mounded
form rather than with upright, long or sprawling canes. English roses, floribundas, Canadian roses and rugosas can all be
shrubs in form. It may flower repeatedly or in flushes, or even just once. Linda Campbell is an example of this rose.
Sub-Zero Roses
Developed by Dr. Walter Brownell to be hardy for the Rhode Island area, these roses are also known as Brownell roses and
may still be too tender for the Wyoming climate. They appear to be mostly of hybrid tea ancestry although Brownell used wichuriana
roses to develop hardiness. Many of these roses are pillar-types – growing ten feet or more. Repeat bloom period.
Queen o’ the Lakes is an example of this rose.
Tree Roses
This is a double graft rose – one at the base of the upright stem and one at the top. Usually a floribunda is
grafted at the top, although some use hybrid teas, grandifloras or miniatures. An interesting novelty, it should be grown
only in containers in Wyoming and brought inside each winter.
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