Comparatively few of the hundred or more rose species found in the wild have contributed to the make up of present day garden roses. The principal parent species are :

Rosa gallica, R. moschata, R. fetschenkoana, R. canina, R. chinensis, R. gigantea, R. foetida and R. multiflora with significant sub-groups derived from R. arvensis, R. pimpinellifolia, R wichurana and R. rugosa.

The following Rose Groups have been selected because they form part of a chain of evolving types providing the backbone of the history of this popular garden flower.

To learn more about the individual groups and the many fascinating features of this enthralling subject, why not consider joining the Historic Roses Group.

Click each thumbnail image or rose group title to view more inormation about the group