Roses are one of the most classic and recognizable flowers in backyard gardens. Loved for their beautiful blooms, wide range of colors, and often rich fragrance, roses can add elegance, romance, or even a cottage-style charm to any outdoor space.
While they’re sometimes seen as high-maintenance, many modern rose varieties are surprisingly easy to grow and well suited for home gardens. From traditional favorites to low-care options, these are the most popular varieties of roses to grow in your backyard.
1. Hybrid Tea Roses
Hybrid tea roses are the most well-known rose variety, prized for their large, perfectly shaped blooms and long stems. They are often grown for cutting and display, making them a popular choice for backyard gardens. These roses bloom repeatedly throughout the season and come in a wide range of colors.
2. Floribunda Roses
Floribunda roses produce clusters of flowers rather than single blooms, creating a fuller and more colorful display. They are generally easier to care for than hybrid teas and bloom continuously through the growing season. Floribundas are great for garden beds, borders, and mass plantings.
3. Grandiflora Roses
Grandiflora roses combine the elegant blooms of hybrid teas with the clustered flowering habit of floribundas. They grow tall and make a strong visual statement in the garden. These roses are valued for their large flowers and long blooming period.
4. Climbing Roses
Climbing roses are ideal for adding vertical interest to fences, trellises, pergolas, and walls. They produce long canes covered in blooms and can transform plain structures into eye-catching features. Many climbing roses also offer a pleasant fragrance.
5. Knock Out Roses
Knock Out roses are extremely popular for their low-maintenance nature and disease resistance. They bloom continuously with very little care and are perfect for beginners. These roses are commonly used in landscapes where reliable color is desired with minimal effort.
6. Shrub Roses
Shrub roses are hardy, versatile plants that work well in many backyard settings. They grow in a natural, bushy shape and often require less pruning than other rose types. These roses are great for filling garden beds and creating informal landscapes.
7. English Roses (David Austin Roses)
English roses are loved for their full, layered blooms and classic rose fragrance. They combine the charm of old garden roses with the repeat blooming of modern varieties. These roses are perfect for cottage-style and traditional gardens.
8. Miniature Roses
Miniature roses are compact plants with small blooms that look like scaled-down versions of full-size roses. They are ideal for containers, patios, and small garden spaces. Despite their size, they are hardy and bloom generously.
9. Groundcover Roses
Groundcover roses spread low and wide, making them excellent for covering slopes, borders, and large areas. They produce many small flowers and are often very easy to maintain. These roses are popular for their durability and long blooming season.
10. Polyantha Roses
Polyantha roses produce dense clusters of small flowers and bloom continuously throughout the season. They are compact and work well in borders or mass plantings. Their reliability and heavy flowering make them a favorite in many gardens.
11. Old Garden Roses
Old garden roses are classic varieties that existed before modern hybrid roses. They are known for their strong fragrance, soft colors, and romantic appearance. These roses add historic charm and character to backyard gardens.
12. Rugosa Roses
Rugosa roses are extremely tough and well suited for cold climates and coastal areas. They feature fragrant blooms and textured foliage and often produce decorative rose hips. These roses are valued for their resilience and low maintenance.
13. Bourbon Roses
Bourbon roses are known for their strong scent and large, rounded blooms. They bridge the gap between old garden roses and modern varieties. These roses are often grown for their fragrance and elegant appearance.
14. Moss Roses
Moss roses are easily recognized by the moss-like growth on their buds and stems. They have a vintage look and a pleasant fragrance. These roses are popular with gardeners who enjoy unique and historic varieties.
15. Tree Roses (Standard Roses)
Tree roses are created by grafting rose varieties onto a tall stem, giving them a small tree-like form. They make striking focal points in gardens and containers. These roses are often used to add structure and visual interest to outdoor spaces.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.