Bush roses are self supporting and bear flowers primarily at the top of the plant. Plant heights vary from a few
inches to 6 feet. Bush roses are further divided into
groups by their growth and flowering habits.
Hybrid teas are the most popular type of rose in America
today. Most feature attractive, long, pointed buds and
large, fragrant flowers that are well formed and symmetrical.
Hybrid teas grow from 2 1/2 to 6 feet tall and generally
bloom continually through the growing season.
Flowers are usually borne singly on long, strong stems
which makes them desirable for cutting. Flowers are
nearly always double and come in all colors except true
blue. Most hybrid teas are vigorous, and although not
fully winter hardy in the severest of Indiana winters, they
can be brought through most winters with protection.
Hybrid perpetuals were popular before the development
of the hybrid teas. These roses flower once in June and
often rebloom inconsistently during the growing season.
Large flowers are borne on vigorous bushes that are very
winter hardy. The plant has a stiff, upright habit. All are
grafted.
Floribunda roses, as the name implies, flower abundantly,
bearing clusters of single to fully double flowers
which resemble small hybrid teas. They are increasing in popularity due to their profuse blooming and lower
maintenance requirements. Floribundas are useful in
landscape planting where masses of color are desired.
Plant size usually does not exceed 4 feet. Floribundas
also can be used for cut flowers. Most are grafted.
Grandiflora roses are the result of crosses between
hybrid teas and floribundas. Small clusters of large
flowers are borne on long stems. The tall plants (up to 6
feet) flower more freely than hybrid teas but less than
floribundas. Grandifloras are useful in the landscape,
especially as background plants, as well as for cut
flowers. All are grafted.
Polyantha rose flowers are smaller than those of the
grandiflora and are borne in large clusters. Greater winter
hardiness allows polyanthas to be grown where hybrid
teas are difficult to maintain. These low growing roses
are excellent for mass plantings and edging. Most are
grafted.
Miniature rose plants generally grow between 12 and 18
inches tall, with some cultivars reaching a maximum
height of 6 inches. Their diverse leaf and flower characteristics
are smaller versions of the larger-flowered types
such as hybrid teas or floribundas. Miniatures are useful
for rock gardens, edging beds, borders, and containers.
Miniatures can be grown indoors with special care. All
are grown on their own roots.
Tree or standard roses are formed by grafting a bush
rose onto a long, upright trunk, resulting in a small tree
appearance. Many of the popular rose cultivars are
available as standards. These plants are used in formal
plantings, in containers, or as accent plants. Tree sizes
range from 3 to 6 feet. Weeping roses are formed by
grafting climbers onto an upright trunk. Tree roses
require special care during winter |
