The genus, Rosa, includes may different
types of plants, most of which are valued
for their flowers. Over the centuries, many
species have been discovered and brought
into cultivation in plant nurseries. They
vary considerably in the size and form of
the plant and the colors and form of their
flowers.
There are three broad categories that are
often applied to roses based on their growth
habit.
Bush Type Roses
- includes most of the cultivated types
usually grown in the home landscape.
These have been further subdivided into
several subcategories listed below.
Shrub Roses -
these roses are mostly species types
that bear single, five petaled flowers
in early summer. They form rather large
shrubs that grow on their own, winter
hardy rootstock.
Climbing Roses
- technically, these do not "climb" in
the way vine plants such clematis or ivy
climb. Rather, these are roses that grow
very long canes. With support and tie
down, they can be grown up the side of a
building, fence or trellis but they will
not climb without human help.
In addition to these categories, there
are several other groupings
of roses based on the species' history and
other factors.
