What Is A Shrub Rose Bush: Learn About Different Shrub Roses

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.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free copy of our e-book "How to Grow Delicious Tomatoes".
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.
Stan V. Griep contributed to Gardening Know How for many years, and has been a Colorado Native Rosarian for over four decades. He is an American Rose Society Certified Consulting Master Rosarian in the Rocky Mountain District, and a member of the Denver Rose Society, the Loveland Rose Society, and the American Rose Society. He is Gardening Know How's in-house expert on all things roses.
- Amy DraissDigital Community Manager
-
Ideal Azalea Water Requirements – For Lush, Healthy Shrubs That Will Thrive For Years
What are an azalea's water requirements? Learn how to keep these beautiful spring-blooming shrubs happy and healthy in your yard or container garden.
By Amy Grant
-
7 Vegetables To Plant In April: Start Indoors Or Outside For A Bumper Summer Harvest
Achieve your growing ambitions with these best vegetables to plant in April – including cold-hardy crops to sow direct and tender varieties to start indoors
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
When To Plant Roses: The Best Time For Your Climate And Rose Type
Plant 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.
By Teo Spengler
-
Spectacular Early Blooming Shrubs: 6 Sparkling Spring Flowering Bushes
Want 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!
By Teo Spengler
-
7 Shade-Loving Flowers To Start From Seed Now For A Stunning Summer Garden
Turn shady spots into vibrant new garden spaces with lovely and illuminating shade-loving flowers.
By Ellen Wells
-
7 Summer-Blooming Bulbs To Plant In Early Spring: Don't Miss Months Of Glorious Flowers!
Get a head start on stunning summer blooms with these easy-to-plant bulbs – act early and you will enjoy vibrant flowers that last for months on end.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
Quick Fire Hydrangea – The Elegant, Easy-Care Shrub Every Gardener Needs In Their Landscape
If you’re after an early flowering panicle hydrangea that offers plenty of floral variety, the Quick Fire hydrangea goes big on visual dynamics from early summer to fall
By Tonya Barnett
-
8 Rare Orchids That Make Stunning Houseplants – Some Are Surprisingly Easy To Grow
Discover unique orchids that will add exotic beauty to your home. Some make easygoing houseplants, while others offer a challenge for more seasoned growers.
By Melanie Griffiths
-
Grow Limelight Hydrangea Shrubs For Green Themed Displays And Brilliant Borders
If you're a panicle hydrangea lover in search of flamboyant, long-lasting florals, knowing how to grow Limelight hydrangea shrubs will ensure gorgeous green blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
-
8 Flowering Shrubs You Must Prune Before Winter Ends For Maximum Blooms This Summer
Many summer-flowering shrubs should be trimmed before winter ends, so don’t wait. Get out there on a sunny day and prune your shrubs for more flowers and healthy growth in spring and summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis