The cultivation of roses began around 5,000 years ago in China. Today, there are more than 30,000 varieties of roses across more than 150 separate species. Roses are available in every colour except black and blue, as the DNA is not in their gene pool.
Roses have acquired cultural significance in many societies, and it is the national flower of the UK, USA and the Maldives. They have long been a symbol of love and national pride, and polls in Britain consistently show roses as being the nations favourite flower.
There is a rose for every occasion, from tiny ones at 30cm to ramblers at 6m. With so many to choose from, there will always be something to suit your house or garden. Roses are generally divided into the following groups, to help choose what is most suitable for you:
Types of Roses
Hybrid Tea Roses
Hybrid Tea Roses are repeat-flowering roses with the classic pointed bud shape. Large, elegant blooms are carried singly on straight stems, making them an excellent choice for cut flowers. Many varieties are beautifully fragrant.
Floribunda Roses
Floribunda Roses are valued for their masses of colourful blooms. They produce clusters of smaller flowers repeatedly from summer through to autumn. These compact, bushy plants are generally hardier, easier to grow and more disease resistant than Hybrid Tea Roses, although they are often less fragrant.
English Roses
Also known as David Austin Roses, English Roses are hybrids bred primarily by the renowned David Austin nursery. They are celebrated for their highly fragrant, repeat-flowering blooms in a wide range of colours and are available as ground cover, shrubs and climbers.
Climbing Roses
Climbing Roses are vigorous shrubs that are ideal for adding height to the garden. They are perfect for covering walls, fences, pergolas and arches but need to be tied into sturdy supports. They flower on the current season’s growth and benefit from hard annual pruning.
Rambling Roses
Rambling Roses are generally more vigorous than climbing roses. Most produce one spectacular display of smaller flowers in summer rather than repeat flowering, followed by attractive red hips in autumn. They flower on the previous year’s growth and can be trained over pergolas and large garden structures.
Standard Roses
Standard Roses are grafted onto a tall stem to create their distinctive lollipop shape. They look particularly attractive in matching pots beside doorways or paths and make excellent focal points. Because of their top-heavy growth, they should always be supported with a sturdy stake.
Patio Roses
Patio Roses are compact varieties bred specifically for container growing. With a neat, bushy habit and abundant repeat-flowering blooms, they are ideal for patios, balconies and smaller gardens.
Ground Cover Roses
Ground Cover Roses, also known as Flower Carpet Roses, spread wider than they grow tall, making them ideal for filling borders and banks. They produce masses of repeat-flowering blooms and are tough, low-maintenance plants requiring very little pruning.
Celebration Roses
Celebration Roses are named to mark special occasions, such as Golden Weddings. They make thoughtful gifts for anniversaries, birthdays and commemorative occasions and can be found across a range of rose types, including shrub and patio varieties.
Harkness Roses
Harkness Roses are bred by the award-winning Harkness nursery and include bush, shrub, climbing and patio varieties. They are known for their beautiful colours, delightful fragrances and excellent garden performance.
Our Top Tips for Planting Roses
- Roses grow best in a sunny position and may produce fewer flowers in shade.
- Avoid planting a rose where another rose has grown within the last five years, as roses can suffer from replant disease.
- If replanting in the same location, remove the old soil to a depth and width of 45cm, line the hole with cardboard and refill with fresh garden soil.
- Choose a container at least 30cm deep for patio roses, with larger pots for bigger varieties.
- Use John Innes No.3 compost mixed with 10-20% peat-free multi-purpose compost for container planting.
- Improve garden soil with well-rotted organic manure or peat-free compost before planting.
- Dig a hole the depth of your spade and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Sprinkle mycorrhizal fungi (Rootgrow) evenly into the base of the planting hole.
- Gently tease out the roots before planting to encourage strong root development.
- Position the graft union just below soil level.
- Apply a 5cm mulch to help retain moisture and keep the roots cool.
- Water newly planted border roses well during dry weather for at least their first two summers.
- Water container-grown roses regularly and do not allow them to dry out.
Why Choose Roses?
With their beautiful flowers, wonderful fragrance and incredible variety, roses have been a favourite in British gardens for generations. Whether you’re looking for a striking climber, a colourful patio rose or a classic Hybrid Tea, there’s a rose to suit every garden. Visit your local Tates of Sussex garden centre to explore our range and speak to our knowledgeable team for advice on choosing and caring for the perfect rose.
Continue your Gardening Journey
Need a little extra advice? Visit your local Tates of Sussex Garden Centre today, where our friendly knowledgeable, team will be happy to help you choose the right plants and offer expert guidance.
