Roses have long been cherished for their beauty and fragrance. There are over 300 species and tens of thousands of cultivars of roses. While all roses share common traits, there are some varieties that stand out above the rest. The “9 roses” refer to a select group of types that are considered exceptionally beautiful and meaningful. These roses convey deep symbolism and make stunning additions to any garden. In this article, we will explore the history, attributes, and symbolism of each of the 9 roses. Understanding what sets these roses apart will help appreciate their significance.
Tea Rose
The tea rose, or Rosa x hybrida, has large, sculpted buds that unfurl into full, fragrant blooms. Tea roses come in a diverse range of hues from white to yellow to dark pink. While called “tea roses,” they do not actually have any scent resembling tea. Rather, the name comes from the Oriental practice of scenting the heated greenhouse with tea to perfume the blooms. Tea roses are admired for their repeat flowering. With proper care, they bloom continuously from late spring until winter. The tea rose is a hybrid cross between hybrid perpetual and China roses. They were first cultivated in China and gained popularity in Europe in the 1800s. Tea roses symbolize remembrance and eternal love. Their delicate appearance and heady aroma evoke refinement and sophistication.
English Rose
English roses, or Rosa anglica, embody the classic rose elements of full, cupped blooms with a strong fragrance and bushy growth. They come in soft, romantic colors like pale pink and creamy white. English roses are a modern cross between Old Garden roses and modern varieties. They were bred by David Austin to capture the charm and fragrance of Old Garden roses while having the repeat flowering and wide color range of modern hybrids. For this blend of ancient beauty and modern fortitude, English roses symbolize love, admiration, and appreciation. They are versatile garden plants and make stunning cut flowers too.
Hybrid Tea Rose
Hybrid tea roses are one of the most popular cut flowers in the world. As the name suggests, they are hybrids derived mostly from crossing hybrid perpetual and tea rose varieties. Hybrid teas have elegant, pointed buds that open into large, striking blooms. Their long stems make them exceptional as cut flowers. Hybrid teas come in virtually every color except true blue and have light to strong fragrance. They bloom in flushes throughout the growing season rather than continuously like the tea rose parent. Hybrid tea roses symbolize passion, love, romance, and positivity. Their ruffled petals and vivid colors give them an intimate, luxurious feel.
Floribunda Rose
Floribunda roses produce an abundance of lightly-scented blooms in clusters along the stems. The flowers are smaller than hybrid teas but make a big color impact in mass. Floribundas are hardy, low maintenance shrubs that bloom repeatedly from late spring into fall. They are ideal for hedges, borders, and mass plantings. Floribundas resulted from crosses between polyantha and hybrid tea roses and were introduced commercially in the 20th century. Their profuse blooming suits them to small gardens and flower arrangements. Floribunda roses symbolize happiness, joy, friendship, and community. Their vibrant cluster blooming reflects an outgoing, cheerful spirit.
Climbing Rose
Climbing roses bring vertical color and charm to gardens. They cling to trellises, walls, arbors, and other structures with canes reaching up to 20 feet long. Most climbing roses are mutations of bush roses that exhibit a climbing habit. They flower in many colors and forms, from hybrid teas to old garden varieties. Climbing roses require more pruning and training than bush roses. But their flowering potential is boundless when grown on the right support structure. Climbing roses symbolize ambition, perseverance, and drive. Watching a climbing rose ascend brings encouragement to pursue dreams and reach new heights.
Shrub Rose
Shrub roses, also called landscape or groundcover roses, mix rose beauty with low maintenance and hardiness. Shrub roses are compact, mounded plants under 4 feet tall. They require minimal pruning and bloom reliably in early summer and intermittently after that. Many shrub roses exhibit good disease resistance too. Popular types include the Knock Out® and Drift® series. The radiant, carefree appeal of shrub roses makes them ideal for borders, mass plantings, and rock gardens. Their versatility symbolizes flexibility and approachability. Shrub roses bring elegance down to earth.
Old Garden Rose
Old Garden roses comprise a diverse group of heirloom varieties that existed before the introduction of hybrid teas in 1867. They are treasured for their lush blooms, intense fragrance, and vintage appeal. Most Old Garden roses bloom just once in spring or summer. While the lack of repeat bloom was a drawback that spurred rose hybridization, Old Garden roses retain an enchanting character all their own. They offer a portal to the past and symbolize nostalgia, reminiscence, and heritage. Some famous Old Garden roses include Albas, Bourbons, Centifolias, Damasks, and Gallicas.
Grandiflora Rose
Grandiflora roses were introduced in the mid-20th century as crosses between floribundas and hybrid teas. They combine the prolific flowering and shrubby habit of floribundas with the large, hybrid tea-like blooms borne singly or in small clusters. Grandifloras have excellent weather resistance and make exceptional hedges and screens. The flowers make wonderful cut arrangements too. Originally needing protection in cold winter climates, many new grandiflora introductions exhibit outstanding cold hardiness. Grandiflora roses symbolize versatility, abundance, and resilience. With their bountiful big blooms, they make a grand floral statement.
Rugosa Rose
Rugosa roses are beloved for their rugged beauty and incredible fragrance. Native to Asia, they have textured, wrinkled foliage that’s highly disease resistant. Rugosas produce generous blooms from spring to fall, especially when deadheaded. The large rose hips are prized for food and crafts. Rugosas thrive in seaside gardens and other challenging growing environments. The Assiniboine cultivar even withstands harsh prairie winters down to -40°F (-40°C). Rugosa roses symbolize strength, grace under pressure, and resourcefulness. Their ability to thrive under diverse conditions inspires us to cultivate resilience.
Conclusion
While all roses share timeless appeal, the 9 roses highlighted here hold special distinction. From elegant tea roses to rugged rugosas, each imparts unique beauty and symbolism. As you compose your rose garden, be sure to make room for these revered varieties. Let their personality and story enrich your landscape and inspire your spirit. The richness of the rose world is boundless. But familiarizing yourself with these 9 gems is an excellent place to start your rose growing journey.
