Amy Draiss
Flowering shrubs have been around for quite some time and grace many landscapes all over the world. One part of the grand list of flowering shrubs is the shrub rose bush, which varies in height and width of spread much the same as other rose bushes.
What is a Shrub Rose?
Shrub rose bushes are defined by the American Rose Society (ARS) as "a class of hardy, easy-care plants that encompass bushy roses that do not fit in any other category of rose bush." Some shrub roses make good groundcovers while others work well to form hedges or screening in the landscape. Shrub rose bushes can have single or double blooms in many different colors. Some of the shrub rose bushes will bloom repeatedly and bloom very well while some others bloom only once a year.
Different Classes of Shrub Rose Bushes
The shrub category or class of roses is divided into many subcategories or subclasses such as: hybrid moyesii, hybrid musks, hybrid rugosas, kordesii, and the large catchall grouping known simply as shrubs.
Hybrid Moyesii Shrub Roses
The hybrid moyesii shrub roses are tall and strong rose bushes that form beautiful red rose hips that follow their repeat blooms. Included in this sub-class are rose bushes named Marguerite Hilling Rose, Geranium Rose, and Nevada Rose, to name only a few.
Hybrid Musk Shrub Roses
Hybrid musk shrub roses will tolerate less sun than other classes of rose bushes. Their clusters of blooms are typically very fragrant and bloom all season for the most part. Included in this sub-class are rosebushes named Ballerina Rose, Buff Beauty Rose, and Lavender Lassie Rose.
Hybrid Rugosas Shrub Roses
The hybrid rugosas are very hardy disease-resistant rose bushes that are low-growing and typically have very full foliage. Their rose hips are valued as an excellent source of vitamin C. Among all roses the hybrid rugosas are the most tolerant of wind and sea spray, thus they are excellent for beach or seaside plantings. Included in this sub-class are rose bushes named Rosa Rugosa Al, Therese Bugnet Rose, Foxi Rose, Snow Pavement Rose, and Grootendorst Supreme Rose.
Kordesii Shrub Roses
The kordesii shrub rose bushes are twentieth-century rose bushes created by German hybridizer Reimer Kordes in 1952. They are low-growing climbers with glossy foliage and truly exceptional hardiness. Included in this sub-class are rosebushes named William Baffinn Rose, John Cabot Rose, Dortmund Rose, and John Davis Rose.
English Roses
English roses are a class of shrub rose developed by English rose breeder David Austin. These wonderful, often fragrant, roses are also known as Austin Roses by many Rosarians and have an old-fashioned rose look to them. This class includes rose bushes named Mary Rose, Graham Thomas Rose, Golden Celebration Rose, Crown Princess Margareta Rose, and Gertrude Jekyll Rose to name a few. Some of my favorite shrub roses in my rose beds are:
- Mary Rose and Golden Celebration (Austin Roses)
- Oranges ‘N' Lemons Rose (pictured above)
- Distant Drums Rose
These truly are hardy and beautiful rose bushes that can be used in varying ways in your rose beds or general landscaping. The Knockout roses are shrub rose bushes as well.
-
Want To Know How To Make A Spider Plant Bushier? 4 Secrets For Lush & Bushy SpidersAre you looking for ways to make your spider plant look bigger or more dramatic? Follow these quick and easy tips on how to make a spider plant bushier
-
What Is A Pollinator Garden? Grow Gorgeous Blooms While Benefiting Your Local EcosystemPollinator gardens look great and also provide a diverse ecosystem that benefits your local pollinating insects and animals. Get started today with this guide!
-
Grow ‘Karl Rosenfield’ Peony Plants For The Ultimate Frilly Border Beauties And Cut FlowersFor frilly double magenta peony petals infused with a heady fragrance, grow ‘Karl Rosenfield’ peony plants. Here’s how to cultivate the ultimate plushy blooms
-
‘Coral Charm’ Peony Care For Sublime Semi-Double Peonies With Lush Salmon Pink FlowersPeonies are known for their soft baby pink or magenta tones, but if plushy coral blooms are your thing, here’s our guide to the ultimate ‘Coral Charm’ peony care
-
Want The Longest Lasting Hydrangea Flowers? Grow These 8 Panicle Hydrangea VarietiesFor ornamental shrubs that deliver the longest flowering seasons with plush blooms and delicate hues, these panicle hydrangea varieties are essential in your yard
-
Zinnias On Repeat: 10 Glorious Cut-And-Come-Again Varieties For Endless Summer BouquetsThese zinnia varieties keep giving all summer, making them the perfect choice for dedicated cutting gardens – or just the occasional homegrown bouquet.
-
What Is The Size Of An Azalea? Explore Different Varieties That Will Suit Every GardenThe size of azaleas can vary widely because they have been selectively bred for different landscape needs. Check out our picks for each size category.
-
5 Fabulous Fast-Growing Vines – That Will Quickly Climb Any Arbor, Trellis, Or FenceThese fast growing vines are perfect for covering any eyesores in your yard or creating a living fence. They will provide great visual interest, as well.
-
When To Plant Roses: The Best Time For Your Climate And Rose TypePlant your roses at the right time and you will be rewarded with decades of glorious summer flowers – but get it wrong and you'll be crying over dead shrubs.
-
Spectacular Early Blooming Shrubs: 6 Sparkling Spring Flowering BushesWant to kickstart your gardening year with dazzling spring flowering bushes for beds and borders? These unique early bloomers are sure to help you rise and shine!
