Roses are woody plants in the genus Rosa known for their showy flowers. There are over 150 species in the genus and thousands of cultivated hybrids. There are so many different types of roses! But enough numbers, roses are a symbol of romance and beauty! They have captivated culture throughout history and inspired poems and art along the way. Flowers are often used as a form of communication too! Needless to say, there is so much to love about roses. 

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Whether you are looking to add the next shrub to your garden or you’re a florist needing to figure out which beauty would make the best addition to your cut flower arrangement, we’ve compiled a list of 50 rose varieties that should help narrow your options (slightly). You’ll also find some easy care tips for each rose listed.

 

History of Roses

 

The rose family dates back to over 30 million years ago. Though the flowers have evolved to sport natural beauty, easy hybridization between species made them a popular target for cultivation. Starting around 5,000 years ago, Chinese gardeners began to experiment with rose breeding. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that these rose breeds made their way to Europe.

 

The middle east was another popping center for roses, and they were grown extensively there during the Roman empire. The flowers kept gaining popularity throughout history and even became incorporated in religious use during the Middle Ages.

 

The French really became interested in rose breeding around 1800 and they developed many of the classics including Gallicas, Damasks, La France, and Albas.

 

 

Types of Roses

 

With all the intense breeding that has gone into rose cultivation, there synchronously appeared new classification systems to help make sense of all the different varieties. 

 

First, there are species roses that, while all in the genus Rosa, are uniquely distinct species that evolved with the selection pressures of their environments.

 

Old garden and modern garden roses, however, are all a result of human cultivation. The primary distinction between the two is when they were bred – old garden roses include anything bred before 1867.  Though there are some other characteristics that each group tends to have. Use the table below to compare some of their traits.

 

Old Garden Roses

 

• Single flowers
• Stronger Fragrance
• Low maintenance

 

Modern Garden Roses

 

• Repeat-flowering
• More color variety
• Less hardy
• Susceptible to disease

 

Species of Roses

 

Rosa chinensis

 

Description

A classic rose with five petals, this plant is native to southwest China. It’s an important species for floriography’s history as it gave rise to the cultivation of some of the first rose breeds. (We’ll go more into the group of China roses later.) Today, it’s often hard to discriminate between wild and cultivated forms of R. chinensis, but it maintains some general characteristics in its native range.

 

Flowers

Five pink to red petals

 

Range

Southwest provinces of China

 

Care

• Moist, clay soils
• Partial Shade to Full sun

 

Rosa rugosa alba

 

Description

Also known by the common names, Japanese rose or beach tomato, this rose is native to East Asia and thrives along seashores with a tolerance for salty, sandy soils. A sprawling shrub, it produces large edible rose hips (hence, the ‘tomato’ common name) that can be made into rosehip jam. The species name ‘rugosa’ refers to the wrinkled appearance of the leaves.

 

Flowers

White, five petals

 

Range

North China, Korea, and Japan

 

Care

• Very adaptable and tolerant of different soils
• Partial shade to full sun

 

Rosa canina

 

Description

This large shrub gets its scientific name from its tooth-like thorns, and it is commonly called dog rose. A vigorous grower, R. canina will quickly reach heights of 9 feet. The rose hips are bright red and shiny, which provide a great attraction for wild birds.

 

Flowers

White, blushed with pink

 

Range

Europe, North Africa, southwest Asia

 

Care

• Moist, well-draining soils
• Full sun

 

Rosa gallica

 

Description

One of the earliest rose species to be cultivated in Europe, this shrub has naturally showy flowers. Wild specimens often have a double corolla, so instead of the usual five petals of a wild rose, these blooms are packed with petals. It makes sense why they had such an appeal to breeders.

 

Flowers

5-20 dark pink petals surround yellow stamen

 

Range

South and Central Europe

 

Care

• Full sun
• Humus-rich soils

 

 

 

 

Rosa woodsii

 

Description

A common North American wildflower, woods rose is a deciduous shrub. Both fast-growing and long-lived, you can find them in meadow edges and forests across the continent. It plays a critical role in its native ecosystems, supporting both pollinators and bird populations.

 

Flowers

Five light to dark pink petals surrounding yellow stamen

 

Range

North America

 

Care

• Partial to full sun
• Drought tolerant

 

Old Garden Roses

 

 

 

 

Gallicas Roses

 

Characteristics

The oldest of the garden roses, these were initially bred by the Greeks and Romans. But even for such ancient breeds, there is an amazing variety of colors and shapes. It comes as no surprise that they are perennial – both in their life cycle and in popularity! In general, gallicas are smaller in stature, making them a great choice if you don’t have much garden room.

 

Duchesse de Montebello

 

Description

Layers of delicate pink petals create a lush around a creamy white center. Breeders cultivated this variety to have little to no thorns, and the flowers are extremely fragrant. 

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• Shade tolerant
• Winter hardy

 

Rosa Mundi

 

Description

Perhaps one of the first variegated roses, Rosa Mundi’s petals are reminiscent of a candy cane with bright pink and white stripes.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Apothecary’s Rose

 

Description

Gorgeous dark pink petals surround a center of golden stamens and framed by grey-green leaves. Another fragrant bloom, this rose gets its name as it was used as a medicinal herb during medieval times.

 

Hardiness Zone

4+

 

Care

• Full sun preferred but can tolerate shade
• Well-draining soil

 

 

 

 

Damask Roses

 

Characteristics

Developed in the Middle East, damask roses are both beautiful and fragrant. So fragrant, in fact, that this is the rose you can thank for all those delicious rose-flavored treats and indulgent spa products. The scent of Damask roses is extracted to make rose essential oils, rose water, and rose flavoring. 

 

La Ville de Bruxelles

 

Description

One of the largest blooms in the Damask category, this flower could be a crepe paper party decoration. Over 40 pink petals wrap around each other in this deeply fragrant rose.  

 

Hardiness Zone

4

 

Care

• Will tolerate most soil conditions
• Prefers full sun

 

Angelina

 

Description

A single circle of petals forms these delicate blooms. The color fades from a rich pink to a creamy center. The foliage is a rich matte green.

 

Hardiness Zone

6-9

 

Care

• Full sun preferred but can tolerate shade
• Well-draining soil

 

Hebe’s Lip

 

Description

Differing from the classic pink Damask rose, this bloom is mostly white. However, hints of pink do appear at the edges of each petal. The flowers grow in clusters and give off a musky fragrance.

 

Hardiness Zone

6-9

 

Care

• Prune after flowering
• Shade tolerant

 

 

 

 

China Roses

 

Characteristics

Bred for thousands of years from rose species endemic to China, these roses, alongside chrysanthemums, are the flowers that possibly started floriculture. Additionally, the China roses, in particular, have resulted from intense hybridization in Chinese gardens. In general, these have a small, shrubby shape with beautiful large flowers.

 

Mutabilis

 

Description

The silky petals of the Mutabilis flower have a special trick up their sleeve. Throughout each bloom’s life, it changes in color. Yellow transitions to pink and ends in a deep crimson. These simple flowers deserve all the awards and attention they have received.

 

Hardiness Zone

6-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Salt tolerant

 

Ducher

 

Description

The lone white rose in the China category, the ivory petals unfurl in very round blooms. As a smaller rose, this makes a great option for container planting.

 

Hardiness Zone

7-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Louis Philippe

 

Description

Bright crimson petals make 2-3 inch wide blooms that are considered to have a full globular form. This rose is a great choice if you want flowers throughout the season as it blooms in flushes.

 

Hardiness Zone

7-10

 

Care

• Disease resistant
• Protect new growth from frosts

 

Moss Roses

 

Characteristics

Named for a fuzz that covers buds and stems, moss roses stand out among the rose family. These glands give the plants not only a unique appearance, it also gives them a piney scent.  Common names of plants often confuse and confound, so take care to not confuse them with “moss roses” (Portulaca grandiflora) which are in a completely different family and are a ground-dwelling succulent. The moss roses we’re talking about are another group in the Rosa genus!

 

Red Moss

 

Description

Another award-winning flower, these dark pink to crimson blooms are large and have many petals. Though they only bloom once a season, this plant profusely puts out buds. You won’t be disappointed. As a bonus, red moss blooms make wonderful cut flowers.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Capitaine John Ingram

 

Description 

Very fuzzy, mossed buds reveal many purple petals forming a double bloom. Be ready to have your noses charmed as these flowers are incredibly fragrant.

 

Hardiness Zone

6-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

 

 

 

Alba Roses

 

Characteristics

Tall and classic, these are also known as the “White Roses of Shakespeare.” With dark blue-green leaves and fewer thorns, they make great cuttings in a bouquet. In a garden, they provide a beautiful backdrop to other plants because of their grand heights. Despite their name, flowers range in all shades of pink.

 

Great Maiden’s Blush

 

Description

All albas are classic, but this particular breed stands out among all the old garden roses. If fragrance is your top priority, look no further. And it’s a beauty to look at too! Full blooms of light pink petals deepen to a richer pink in the center.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-10

 

Care

• Full to partial sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Belle Amour

 

Description

French for “beautiful love,” these semi-double blooms are more like fireworks than flowers. Salmon-pink petals explode from the center. Additionally, they give off a musk of myrrh so you can feel like true royalty.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun to partial shade
• Frost resistant

 

Golden Blush

 

Description

Double blooms with gorgeously apricot colored petals unfurl in a classic rose shape. 

 

Hardiness Zone

3-8

 

Care

• Cold tolerant
• Full to partial sun

 

 

 

 

Centifolia Roses

 

Characteristics

With layers and layers of petals, another name for these flowers is “cabbage roses.” Even the word “centifolia” references the maxim that they have more than 100 petals. They grow as shrubs with stems covered in prickles. In general, these pink-purple blooms are very fragrant and winter hardy, though they are a bit more susceptible to fungi than other roses.

 

White de Meaux

 

Description

With outer petals becoming almost translucent white, only to darken to a spot of burgundy in the center, this flower would make a beautiful fairy dress. A neat pom pom appearance, there have surely been ballet costumes inspired by this rose.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• A great option for containers
• Full sun to partial shade

 

Robert le Diable

 

Description

Richly purple and crimson petals undulate to form this gorgeous bloom. The colors will actually depend on the climate, so you can expect anything from violets to deep purples with this stunner.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-8

 

Care

• Full sun to partial shade

 

Unique Blanche

 

Description

Silky white petals start cupped, only to open into the full lovely spread of this huge flower. 

 

Hardiness Zone

4-10

 

Care

• Full sun to partial shade
• Tolerant of different soil types

 

 

 

 

Bourbon Roses

 

Characteristics

No, these aren’t named for the whiskey. These roses hail from what was once known as the Isle of Bourbon in the Indian Ocean. Growing vigorously as shrubs, these plants have both height and girth, and they make great landscape roses. The flowers are notable too. Huge blooms are formed by a sphere of petals.

 

Variegata di Bologna

 

Description

Another candy-striped stunner, purple and red colors decorate this rose’s ivory petals. With many buds blooming at the same time, get ready for a stunning show.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Louise Odier

 

Description

Warm pink, double blooms make this rose look almost out of a cartoon. The consistency of color and delightful smell make this vigorous shrub a staple in any rose garden.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Shade tolerant

 

Bourbon Queen

 

Description

A sweet gradient of pinks adorns these petals. Combined with a succulently sweet scent, these blooms are sure to please.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Tough
• Full sun

 

 

 

 

Tea Roses

 

Characteristics

Similar in history to China roses, these separated themselves as their own cross between Rosa chinensis and Rosa gigantea. Named for their delicate fragrances that are reminiscent of tea, these stout shrubs are often covered in blooms. Their everblooming nature makes this group of roses worthy of your garden. But being more sensitive to climate and disease, they do require more care and attention than other varieties. Additionally, be careful not to over prune as this can set them back a couple of years.

 

Maman Cochet

Description

A classic tea with long buds and strong stems, this plant makes both a delightful garden shrub and beautiful cut flowers. The petals are light creamy pink in contrast to dark green leaves.

 

Hardiness Zone

7-10

 

Care

• Not very disease resistant
• Full sun

 

Safrano

 

Description

Light apricot petals form a cupped double bloom. This plant is a great choice throughout the season as it blooms in flushes.

 

Hardiness Zone

7-9

 

Care

• Heat tolerant
• Disease resistant

 

Modern Roses

 

 

 

 

Hybrid Tea Roses

 

Characteristics

The group that started the “modern rose” class, these plants were a result of a cross between tea roses and hybrid perpetual roses. These blooms are popular cut flowers as each flower has its own stem. The plant is a quintessential rose bush, standing as an upright shrub, and is one of the most popular categories of roses worldwide.

 

Always and Forever

 

Description

This bright red bloom sits on a long stem and is the perfect flower for a romantic gesture. 

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Astounding Glory

 

Description

With bright pink blooms, this makes another gorgeous cut flower. 

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Medium moisture
• Full sun

 

 

 

 

Grandiflora Roses

 

Characteristics

A derivative of the hybrid tea roses and floribunda roses, grandifloras maintain the elegance and impact of the former and the hardiness and repeat blooms of the latter. Though the blooms do present in clusters, they still make for great cut flowers with arching stems. The flowers are large and stately, synchronous with their name.

 

Arizona

 

Description

Named after gorgeous desert sunsets, the Arizona rose blends golds and oranges in a double bloom, for a double delight! 

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Coretta Scott King

 

Description

Creamy petals outlined with coral and pink edges contrast with dark green foliage.

 

Hardiness Zone

6-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Delany Sisters

 

Description

With a clustered growth habit, this flower has ruffled creamy petals with pink edges. 

 

Hardiness Zone

7-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Tolerant of most soils

 

 

 

 

Floribunda Roses

 

Characteristics

A cross between polyantha and hybrid tea roses, floribunda breeds combine ease of care, hardiness, and fragrant beauties. The blooms appear to be clustered, but each flower has a distinct stem that is grouped with other stems. A bonus is this cohort of roses requires less seasonal pruning!

 

Plum Perfect

 

Description

If a sheer number of blooms attract you, Plum Perfect could be the rose for you. Like you’d expect, the petals are plum to lavender colored.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Ketchup & Mustard

 

Description

With a gorgeous classic cup shape, bright red petals blend to a golden, apricot center, giving this rose its name.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Full sun to partial shade

 

 

 

 

Polyantha Roses

 

Characteristics

Growing in compact bushes with clusters of small blooms, polyantha roses are similar to the wild species they were bred from (R. multiflora). Additionally, these sweet flowers are repeat bloomers and incredibly resilient. Disease resistance and drought tolerance make these a great choice for ease of care.

 

Cecile Brunner

 

Description

Soft pink with a darker center, these are sweet small roses grow continuously from a thornless bush.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Great container plant

 

The Fairy

 

Description

This sweet little shrub produces vigorous blooms of white to pink flowers. Though small (less than one inch across), each bloom has at least 25 petals.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• Full to partial sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Princesse Josephine-Charlotte

 

Description

Semi-double, coral-pink blooms produce a mild fragrance.

 

Hardiness Zone

6+

 

Care

• Shade tolerant
• Prune more in colder areas to protect from frost

 

 

 

 

Miniature Roses

 

Characteristics

As you might have guessed by the name, miniature roses have been for their petite bloom size. Coincidentally, most are very resilient plants as they can tolerate cold winter temperatures. They make a great choice if you want blooms throughout the season, and they come in all colors and shapes.

 

Cutie Pie

 

Description

Looking like a petite version of a hybrid tea rose, these high-centered flowers are golden in the center and edged with dark pink.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full to partial sun

 

Gourmet Popcorn

 

Description

These abundant blooms look just like the name, yellow centers are surrounded by ivory petals.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-9

 

Care

• Disease resistant
• Full sun

 

Lemon Drop

 

Description

Compact yellow petals form this sweet lemony flower. It will bloom in flushes throughout the year and has a fruity fragrance.

 

Hardiness Zone

5

 

Care

• Take care in colder conditions
• Full sun

 

 

 

 

Climbing Roses

 

Characteristics

A rose-covered trellis or wall is something out of a fairy tale. But you can achieve this look in your own garden with climbing roses. Depending on the variety, they can climb up to 12 feet long and come in all sorts of colors.

 

Joseph’s Coat

 

Description

These colorful blooms fade from gold to scarlet to orange. Flowering in flushes, you can have blooms throughout the season.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Polka

 

Description

Polka roses have huge blooms with blush pink petals.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Disease tolerant
• Full sun

 

 

 

 

Rambling Roses

 

Characteristics

A great choice for a ground cover or outdoor decoration, the vigorous ramblers beautify trellises, gates, and also makes a great groundcover rose. Because of their long stems, they are relatively easy to train. With a few exceptions, they only bloom once each year, in contrast to climbing roses which are multiple bloomers. However, the blooms are plentiful and generally last a few weeks.

 

American Pillar

 

Description

Large clusters of hot pink blooms surrounding yellow stamens. Each bloom is just a couple of inches wide, but the entire plant can grow to expansive sizes.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• Partial to full sun
• Drought resistant

 

Dorothy Perkins

 

Description

Growing in cascading bunches of puffs of pink flowers, these blooms have a special power. The color darkens as they age, providing a gorgeous gradient to one of the most popular ramblers. 

 

Hardiness Zone

4-9

 

Care

• Partial to full sun
• Protect in winter or during cold snaps

 

 

 

 

David Austin Roses

 

Characteristics

While not as strict of a category as some of the others on this list, we’ve singled them out anyway. Artfully and extensively bred for over 60 years, David Austin roses are among the highest quality in fragrance, disease resistance, and frequency of blooms. Overall these are a knockout rose.

 

Queen of Sweden

 

Description

Initially, the buds are light apricot, but once they unfold, the blooms are the most delicate blush pink.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-11

 

Care

• Great for hedges
• Full to partial sun

 

Emily Bronte

 

Description

Very flat open blooms with petals that transition from a creamy gold to an apricot center.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-11

 

Care

• Full to partial sun
• Does well in containers

 

Harlow Carr

 

Description

Perfectly pink blooms of over 100 petals form a shallow cup.

 

Hardiness Zone

4-11

 

Care

• Full to partial sun
• Does well in containers

 

 

 

 

Shrub Roses

 

Characteristics

While some roses are notorious for being finicky to grow, this is not the case with shrub roses. Simple, elegant, and easy to grow, shrub roses are a great choice for the beginner rose gardener.

 

Leonardo Da Vinci

 

Description

Huge quartered blooms adorn this shrub in pink pompom clusters.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Moist, well-draining soil

 

Lyda Rose

 

Description

This extremely fragrant bloom has the simple five-petaled look of a species rose. Creamy petals tipped with pink make for a delicate appearance.

 

Hardiness Zone

5-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

Colette

 

Description

Soft pink petals form a neat, tight cup. A continuous bloomer, you can expect flowers from early summer through early fall.

 

Hardiness Zone

7-10

 

Care

• Full sun
• Well-draining soil

 

With so many flowers to choose from, hopefully, this list of over 50 types of roses can help you narrow down your options. So find your inner florist and get to gardening!