A Guide to Different Types of Roses

Roses are among the most loved garden plants, admired for their beautiful flowers, wonderful fragrance and versatility. With thousands of varieties available, there is a rose to suit almost every garden style, from cottage gardens and formal borders to patios and pergolas.

If you’ve ever wondered about the different types of roses and which might be best for your garden, this guide will help you discover the unique qualities of some of the most popular varieties.

Hybrid Tea Roses

Perhaps the most recognisable of all roses, Hybrid Tea Roses produce large, elegant blooms on long stems, making them ideal for cutting and displaying indoors. They typically flower repeatedly throughout the summer and are available in a huge range of colours.

Perfect for:

• Formal rose beds
• Cutting gardens
• Adding structure and colour to borders

Floribunda Roses

Floribunda Roses are known for producing clusters of flowers rather than single blooms. They offer a spectacular display of colour throughout the season and are often easier to grow than Hybrid Tea varieties.

Perfect for:

• Mass planting
• Colourful borders
• Low-maintenance rose displays

Shrub Roses

Shrub Roses are vigorous, versatile and often highly fragrant. They tend to have a more natural, informal appearance and are excellent for creating impact in mixed borders. Many modern shrub roses offer excellent disease resistance and repeat flowering.

Perfect for:

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed planting schemes
• Wildlife-friendly gardens

Climbing Roses

Climbing Roses are ideal for covering walls, fences, arches and pergolas. Their long, flexible stems can be trained to create stunning vertical displays of flowers and fragrance.

Many varieties flower repeatedly throughout the season, providing months of interest and transforming ordinary structures into beautiful garden features.

Perfect for:

• Walls and fences
• Arches and pergolas
• Creating height in the garden

Rambling Roses

Often confused with climbing roses, ramblers are generally more vigorous and produce long stems that can quickly cover large areas. They are particularly effective when grown through trees or over large garden structures.

Most ramblers produce a spectacular flush of flowers in early summer, followed by decorative hips later in the year.

Perfect for:

• Large gardens
• Covering unsightly structures
• Creating a romantic garden look

Patio Roses

Patio Roses are compact varieties bred specifically for containers and smaller spaces. Despite their size, they produce an impressive number of blooms and are perfect for brightening patios, balconies and courtyards.

Perfect for:

• Containers and pots
• Small gardens
• Outdoor entertaining spaces

Ground Cover Roses

These low-growing, spreading roses are excellent for suppressing weeds and providing colour across larger areas. They require minimal maintenance and can be used on banks, slopes and difficult-to-plant areas.

Perfect for:

• Ground cover planting
• Slopes and banks
• Low-maintenance gardens

David Austin English Roses

Combining the charm and fragrance of old-fashioned roses with the repeat flowering of modern varieties, English Roses have become some of the most sought-after roses in the world. Developed by renowned rose breeder David Austin, they are celebrated for their beautiful rosette-shaped blooms, exceptional fragrance and wide range of colours.

Perfect for:

• Cottage gardens
• Mixed borders
• Gardeners looking for both beauty and fragrance

Choosing the Right Rose

When selecting a rose, consider the space available, the style of your garden and what you want from the plant. Are you looking for spectacular cut flowers, a fragrant climbing display, or a compact rose for a patio container? There is a variety perfectly suited to every situation.

Whichever type you choose, roses reward gardeners with months of colour, fragrance and beauty. With the right planting conditions, regular feeding and a little seasonal care, they can become a stunning focal point that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

If you’d like help choosing the perfect rose for your garden, visit us in store where our knowledgeable team can offer advice on varieties, planting, feeding and ongoing care.