Introducing...
Roses
Botanical name: Rosa
Roses (Rosa) are a classic and instantly recognisable plant, ideal for almost every style of garden. They flower abundantly from early summer in a choice of colours including pastel shades of pink, peach, cream or snowy-white; vibrant yellow and gold; orange, crimson or red. Many roses are fragrant. Some types flower in one flush of blooms while others flower all summer long. Some have colourful fruits (hips). Plants come in a range of forms, from traditional shrubs and climbers to miniature plants for patio containers.
Looks
Roses have upright, arching, scrambling or trailing, usually prickly stems. Their leaves are glossy and mid to dark green but occasionally grey-green. Flowers vary in shape and include flat, cupped, rounded, urn-shaped, button-eye, pompon and rosette.
Likes
Roses grow best in moisture-retentive, fertile, well-drained soils in a sunny position. They are very responsive to mulching and feeding.
Dislikes
Roses won't thrive in dry, poor or waterlogged soil and few flowers are produced in shade.
Did you know?
Many modern roses are sold under two names. You can spot this on plant labels where the main 'selling name' is joined in brackets by the name which holds the official Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) name. An example is Gertrude Jekyll ('Ausbord'), which like all other roses is usually only referred to by the selling name - in this case Gertrude Jekyll.
More information and a key to rose classifications can be found on Roses: Choosing the best
Growing guide
How to grow roses
All the information you’ll need to grow & care for roses in your garden.
Roses we recommend
Rosa Rhapsody in Blue ('Frantasia'PBR) (S)
rose [Rhapsody in Blue]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Margaret Merril ('Harkuly') (F)
rose [Margaret Merril]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Rhapsody in Blue ('Frantasia'PBR) (S)
rose [Rhapsody in Blue]
- 1–1.5 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Rosa Margaret Merril ('Harkuly') (F)
rose [Margaret Merril]
- 0.5–1 metres
- 0.5–1 metres
Useful advice
Rose problems: frequently asked questions
Rose pruning: general tips
Roses: choosing the best
Roses: planting
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.