Hybrid Tea: This is perhaps the most popular of all the roses. By breeding two different strains of  rose, the result is a rose which has the qualities of each and are known as "hybrids". Hybrid Teas are  a cross breed of old hybrid perpetuals which had arisen from Damask-hybrid China roses. They are commonly referred to as "bush roses" and grow between 1m. to 2m. in height. Some are strongly scented, others only slightly scented. There is an endless variety of colours and mixtures of colours to choose from. They are excellent for use as cut flowers with long, strong stems to hold the blooms upright. 

Floribunda: This is a group of roses developed in the late 1800's by cross breeding older varieties. Its features are abundant blooms, long flowering and resistance to disease. A bushy, low growing rose, it is ideally suited for low hedges, rockeries, etc. They are  extremely good for cutting.

 Standards: These are budded to an understock usually around a metre high. Where height is needed to gain a special effect in the garden, these are definitely the best choice. Varieties are similar to Hybrid Teas, and staking is essential using a soft twine as they are prone to wind damage.

Weeping Standards: This is actually a prostrate growing climber budded to a tall understock. The results are spectacular with masses of blooms weeping from the crown. Staking is essential, and often a "wagon wheel" is used to good effect.

Climbing Roses: Garages, carports, fences can be beautified by using a climber to cover the stark areas. They can spread to cover an area 8m. or more across. A trellis or some other form of support is essential and the results can be spectacular with hundreds of blooms covering what once may have been a bland, uninteresting area of the garden.

Miniatures: Where garden area is limited, the miniatures are ideal. Growing to only around 50 cm. they are suitable for pots, borders, balconies and courtyards. As with the floribunda, they are extremely hardy.

Old Fashioned Roses: Also known as Cottage roses, these are the original roses that have grown since  Egyptian times. These older roses, although not having the larger flowers and brilliant colour combinations of the modern hybrids, are equally attractive with their soft blooms and  heavy perfumes. There are quite a variety of old fashioned roses: Gallica or French roses, with double fragrant bloom, extremely hardy; Damask, one of the oldest, dating back to Egyptian times; Noisette, an extremely fragrant climber; Tea roses, perhaps one of the finest, with a wide variety of elegant colours; China roses, suitable for limited space gardens; Alba, one of the few varieties which can be successfully grown in shaded areas; Portland roses, also suitable for small gardens a prolific bloomer with double flowers; Centifolia, containing large double flowers and are strongly scented, also known as cabbage roses; Moss, an unusual rose containing a soft down on new buds and growth.