Roses come in many forms and colours – some flower only once in spring some are repeat flowering and will reward you with colour all summer long, some repeat at six weekly or so intervals. So if you want your roses to bloom at a specific time then you need to prune and feed them about 6 weeks before you want that display.

Here is a rundown of some roses types:

Modern Roses - these have largely originated as hybrids of the species roses which have been grown for centuries. 

Hybrid Tea Roses - these are the most popular group of roses. The flower stems are long and the large, shapely blooms are usually on single stems, or with several side buds. They flower from late spring to autumn and make excellent cut flowers.

Floribunda Roses (now more commonly referred to as cluster flowered roses) - these are often considered more colourful than the hybrid tea roses. Their flowering is more profuse and they stand up to wet weather better. They bear clusters or trusses of flowers continuously from late spring to late autumn.  A cluster flowered rose can be grown as a bush or as a standard rose. 

Old-fashioned or Species Roses - some of these only flower once a year but others have repeat flowering. The shrub roses are the ideal cottage garden type, typically with pink shades, overblown and full of fragrance.

Standard Roses - these have a tall bare stem and rounded ball of foliage at the top.  They are derived from either hybrid tea or floribunda roses grafted onto a tall rootstock. They are used in formal gardens.

Miniature Roses - these make ideal border or container plants. They may be taken indoors over Christmas when in flower. Miniatures have small leaves and a profusion of small bright flowers. They require little pruning, save for shaping. 

Carpet roses (also known as landscaping roses) these roses are tough, versatile, mostly repeat and long flowering and many are disease resistant. Why wouldn’t you want one!

Hints and Tips for Growing Roses

• Roses prefer freely-draining but moist soils - not overly wet or acidic soils. 
  
• Plant them in where they will receive full sun for at least part of the day - they will tolerate light shade. Make sure they have air movement around and through the plant to avoid fungal problems
  
• They respond well to feeding and moderate watering - mulch in dry conditions. 
  
• Prune annually in winter in temperate or colder climates - prune lighter and more often at any time of year in subtropical or tropical climates. 
  
• Remove dead or diseased wood and crossing shoots at any time.
  
• Check regularly for pests and diseases. Typical pests include leafhoppers, aphids, caterpillars, and leaf-cutter bees. Typical diseases include black spot, grey mould, powdery mildew, and rust. 
  
• The best hint is: buy disease resistant tough varieties!