Roses are the most popular plant in the world. The well-known shrubs (or sometimes groundcovers and climbing vines) are grown in almost every growing zone for their long-lasting fragrant flowers. Perfect for any space, you can't go wrong with adding these to your garden.
Roses are woody shrubs and vines known for their captivating beauty, diverse varieties, and rich fragrance. Most are native to Asia, with some native to Europe, North America, and Africa. Their ability to adapt to various climates and soil types makes them a favorite among gardeners. Many rose varieties also offer resilience against pests and diseases, making them an ideal choice for those seeking low-maintenance, enduring plants.
We offer varieties that are winter and summer hardy in growing zones 3 - 11, which is most of the United States. So no matter where you live, we probably have a rose that will grow in your area. We carry varieties with fragrant and nonfragrant flowers in several different colors and shapes. The branches are often armed with thorns, a feature that can be used to create some natural built-in security.
Rose bush applications extend far beyond traditional flower beds. Use climbing roses to create dramatic vertical accents on trellises or walls, or establish a hedge with shrub roses for added privacy and structure. Groundcover roses provide an excellent solution for erosion control while filling empty spaces with color. Additionally, they can be grown in containers to enhance patios or balconies. Combining different types allows gardeners to craft landscapes with layers of texture, color, and purpose.
Types of Roses
Type
Scientific Name
Bloom Timing
Habit
Uses
Features
Climbing Roses
Rosa spp. (various climbing hybrids)
Late spring–fall (often repeats)
Long, arching canes, need support
Tie to trellises/arbors (no tendrils)
- Not a true “class” but a habit/description
- Large blooms, often repeat-blooming
- Horizontal training can increase flower production
Groundcover Roses
Rosa spp. (often called “landscape”)
Late spring–frost (continuous)
Low-spreading, wider spread than height
Ideal for covering slopes or as space fillers
- Bred for low maintenance & disease resistance
- Typically very floriferous, with continuous bloom
- Minimal pruning required
Floribunda Roses
Rosa × floribunda
Repeat/continuous, summer–fall
Compact, bushy
Great for borders, hedging, containers
- Borne in large clusters for abundant color
- Longer bloom time than Hybrid Tea/Grandiflora
- Generally more disease-resistant
Grandiflora Roses
Rosa × grandiflora
Repeat/continuous, summer–fall
Tall, upright shrubs
Taller habit, useful as a backdrop or screen
- Cross between Hybrid Tea & Floribunda
- Large showy blooms in small clusters
- Good cut flowers; fewer fragrance options
Hybrid Tea Roses
Rosa × hybrida (Hybrid Tea group)
Repeat/continuous, summer–fall
Upright, vase-shaped
Focal point, cutting garden, perennial borders, formal gardens
- Classic single large bloom per stem
- Often very fragrant (though many lack scent)
- Thousands of cultivars, prized in floral arrangements
- “Catch-all” category; includes many easy-care roses
- Often very cold-hardy & disease-resistant
- Bloom in clusters or single blooms; can be recurrent
Wild Roses
Rosa species (e.g., R. arkansana, R. virginiana)
Usually once in late spring/early summer
Shrubby or climbing forms in the wild
Meadows, slopes, stream banks, and wildlife gardens
- Species roses growing naturally for centuries
- Simple five-petaled blooms, loved by pollinators
- Hardy, disease-resistant, produce ornamental hips
English Roses
Rosa hybrids (David Austin Roses)
Repeat-blooming, summer–fall
Upright, bushy shrubs or short climbers
Mixed borders, containers, and focal points
- Bred by David Austin to combine old rose form/fragrance with modern rebloom
- Often very fragrant, full-petaled blooms
- May need winter protection in colder zones
Roses Care
Planting roses starts with selecting a sunny location with well-draining soil, ideally enriched with organic matter. Deep watering is crucial, especially in the early years, focusing on the root zone to avoid fungal diseases. Fertilize regularly during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer, starting in early spring. For soil, a pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal, and adding compost or aged manure helps maintain nutrient levels.
Pruning roses helps maintain shape and encourages strong growth. Cut back dead or damaged canes in early spring, just before new growth begins. For winter care, mulch the base of the plant heavily to protect roots from freezing temperatures. Growing roses in containers requires a well-draining potting mix and consistent watering, as pots dry out faster. Keep potted roses in a location with plenty of sunlight, and shelter them indoors or in a protected area during harsh winters.
Roses are popular shrubs for their beautiful long lasting and fragrant flowers. Most gardeners would like to grow other shrubs, perennials and annuals along with roses though. Some of our favorite plants to grow with roses are pinks (dianthus), salvia, snapdragons, lantana, and calibrachoa. Boxwoods and holly shrubs also are great foundation plants to grow next to roses. Whatever you choose to grow, be sure to provide enough air circulation between plants and enough space for their roots to grow.
