Rose Plants

Although they have a reputation for being difficult to grow, roses are quite easy to grow.

Many new cultivars of rose plants are disease-resistant, and can withstand extremes of temperature.

With so many types available in a rainbow of colors, finding one that suits your taste requires just a little homework and planning.

Most roses need full sun to produce blooms. When planting, dig a roomy hole and backfill with composted soil, allowing room between plants for good air circulation.

Provide ample water throughout the season and fertilize in spring to promote healthy rose plants.

Select the type of rose plant that is right for your space and enjoy the profusion of flowers roses provide.

Bush Roses

Bush roses are the largest group of roses. This category includes seven different types of roses.

The oldest group of bush rose flowers is the Heritage Rose, which includes many that have been available since before hybrids were first introduced in the late 19th century.

There are several colors, sizes and styles of Heritage roses available, including damasks, portlands, gallicas, bourbons and albas.

Miniature roses have flowers and leaves that are considerably smaller and bloom repeatedly.

Hybrid teas bear single, long-stemmed flowers on plants all season long and grow to about four feet tall.

Polyanthas are compact plants which produce clusters of small flowers all season long.

Floribunda roses are compact plants with medium sized flowers. They are a cross between hybrid teas and polyanthas and bloom throughout the summer.

Grandifloras can grow to six feet in height and produce large, long-stemmed flowers into fall. Tree roses, or standards, are bush roses that have been bud-grafted onto a specially grown trunk. Varieties are one to six feet tall.

Shrub Roses

Shrub rose plants can grow from four to twelve feet tall, with graceful arching canes.

They are available as early summer or all-season bloomers. The canes are thick and grow upright.

Old Fashioned and English roses are the most popular varieties, available in colors ranging from white to pale pink, peach and red. Knockout roses are long-stemmed and bloom from spring to frost.

Ballerina is a delicate rosy pink and white that flowers from late spring through fall. And for clusters of white, Snowdrift is a favorite variety.

For intense contrast, Carefree Spirit provides continuous cherry red flowers against dark green foliage.

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses have thick, pliable canes that can be attached to trellises and arbors.

They produce large flowers on ten foot canes throughout the summer.

Ramblers are climbers with thinner canes that can be trained on a post or fence. They produce clusters of smaller flowers on 20 foot canes.

Climbers are especially sensitive to wind damage if not supported.

Don Juan is a classic red climber. Golden Showers is a ruffled yellow variety, while Jacob's Coat offers blooms of yellow and red mix.

For red and white striped flowers, Fourth of July offers repeat blooms.

Groundcover Roses

Groundcover roses have prostrate canes that produce low mounds of rose flowers.

Some cultivars bloom continuously while others may only bloom once during the season.

Flower Carpet roses are available in a beautiful array of colors. For a beautiful golden apricot shade, add Flower Carpet Amber roses. Yellow, red, pink and coral are also available.

Pink Drift, Red Drift and Peach Drift make beautiful border plantings. And Carpet of Color is a mix of bright yellows, pinks and reds.

Rose plants have everything a gardener looks for -- variety of color, fragrance and shape.

From the smallest of miniature roses to the tallest of climbers, in numerous shades of white, yellow, pink, red and purple, there is a rose for every garden. Once you grow one type, you'll want more.

More about Roses

Growing Roses
Properly caring for roses assures a profusion of beautiful flowers throughout the growing season.

How to Plant Roses
Following just a few steps on how to plant roses will result in lush, beautiful flowers in your landscape that will grow for many years.

Hybrid Tea Roses
Popular with both gardeners and florists, these repeat blooming roses produce long-stemmed beauties that bloom from mid-spring to late fall on plants that are easy to care for.

Pruning Roses
Proper pruning can encourage blooming and a healthier rose plant.

Rose Propagation
Propagating roses from cuttings is an easy and fun process for increasing your garden plants.