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Reading labels when you're buying a rosebush can seem like learning a new language. But understanding the terminology helps you find the varieties that suit your purposes and conditions.
Floribunda: Bushes that range from 2 to 6 feet tall and equally wide. Most are cold-hardy. They bloom continuously in clusters of medium-size flowers. Many color options. For the flower border or cut flowers. Fragrance varies.
Polyantha: Smaller in flowers and in overall plant size, they are a scaled-down version of floribunda roses.
Hybrid tea: Also called large-flowered roses. Classic florist roses with large blossoms (one per stem) that become pointed toward the center, they range from 3 to 6 feet tall. Some are deliciously fragrant; many aren't. Best for cut flowers, as the plant itself isn't much to look at.
Landscape: A new type bred to be easy to care for and to look great in the landscape. Highly disease- and pest-resistant. Low-growing, with short flower stems that are not suited to bouquets. Continuous bloom spring to fall. Best choice for beginners.
Modern: All varieties bred after 1867, including hybrid teas, floribundas, and polyanthas. Come in both soft and bold colors, and fragrance varies greatly. Most repeat bloom.
Old garden: All varieties that existed before 1867, including China, damask, tea, and noisette types. They tend to have softer colors than modern roses and are often very fragrant. Most bloom once in spring. The types vary in cold-hardiness.
