Rose Classification
Although there is no one set of “official” classification system
of roses, there are many different popular rose classification
schemes that are employed throughout the world. The most popular
of the systems in use has been proposed by The American Rose
Society in cooperation with the World Federation of Roses.
Although this classification system is not the only one in use,
a large majority of internationally established societies have
adopted this scheme for classifying roses.
According to the American Rose Society, there are three main
groupings of roses: the Species; Old Garden Roses; and Modern
Roses. Species Roses, the origin of every other rose class, are
commonly referred to as “wild roses.” These “wild roses” are
easy to identify, as they normally have five petals, are
once-blooming, and are generally thorny shrubs or climbers.
Several popular Species Roses include: Cherokee Roses, Dog
Roses, Gallic Roses, French Roses, and Redleaf Roses. Species
Roses can be found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, as they
flourish in temperate climates.
Unlike Species Roses, which existed millions of years before man
walked the earth, Old Garden Roses are identified as a major
class of roses recognized before 1867.
Most Old Garden Roses bloom once per season, usually at the
arrival of summer. Old Garden Roses occur in a variety of shrub
and vine sizes. Although colors vary, Old Garden Roses are
typically white or pastel in color. These “antique roses” are
generally preferred for lawns and home gardening because they
are easy to care for. Several groupings of roses are classified
as Old Garden Roses including: China, Tea, Moss, Damask,
Bourbon, Hybrid Perpetual and Noisette roses. Many “antique
roses” have a strong sweet scent, which makes them very
desirable.
Old Garden Roses are the predecessors of Modern Roses. Any rose
which has been identified post 1867 is considered a Modern Rose.
This group of roses are very popular. The Modern Rose is the
result of cross breeding the hybrid tea with the polyanthus. The
colors of a Modern Rose are lovely, rich and vibrant. Most of
the roses found in this class flower repeatedly when cared for
properly. Perhaps that is why horticulturists find this class so
attractive. The most popular roses found in the class of Modern
Roses are the hybrid tea, floribunda, and grandiflora. Although
Modern Roses are adored by florists and gardeners, they do not
adapt well to colder environments.
After a rose has been classified according to the three main
groupings, a rose can then be further classified by color,
scent, growth habit, ancestry, date of introduction, blooming
characteristics and size. It is very difficult for
horticulturists to classify every rose, especially the hybrid
roses which often seem like a grouping of their own. While there
has been much debate on classifying roses, the American Rose
Society appears to have the most functional system for these
stages of classification. Perhaps this is why the American Rose
Society’s classification system has been adopted by so many
rosarians the world over
Angie Noack is a home and garden strategist with a sharp edge
for technology. With her unique ability to combine these two
skills, she’s able to help gardeners save time and increase
productivity. You can find her online at http://www.foodrose.com.
Article from articlesbase.com
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