Roses complement many garden styles and because of their versatility they can be used in numerous ways to good effect. From tiny miniatures only 30cm high to climbers which can sprawl over a house. From low, wide ground covers which look spectacular en masse to large colourful hedges created by taller shrub roses. Grow them as flowering shrubs in mixed beds and borders, screen a fence, trail over arches or arbours, cascade down a bank or over a stone wall. There is a rose for nearly every purpose and function in your garden.

Before choosing varieties and colours you must first decide on which classification of rose suits your needs. Use the illustrations and descriptions below to familiarize yourself with the different categories of roses available. We also recommend visiting our display garden, Rose Shows and public rose gardens such as the Victorian State Rose Garden. The key is to ensure that the varieties you choose are suitable for the use you have in mind. Victorian State Rose Garden, Werribee Park

See Cultural Notes for tips on ground preparation, planting bare-root roses, pests and diseases.

Categories of Roses

Miniature Roses

These are the smallest of roses with flowers that are usually less than 5cm across. Generally the bushes grow to no more than 50cm in height . Use for edging, growing in pots or rockeries. Plant approx. 30cm to 50cm apart.

Floribunda Roses

Floribunda or Cluster Flower roses give a mass of colour over a long period. The flowers are usually smaller than a Hybrid Tea and produced in large clusters. They range from low growing varieties (50cm) to those which reach more than 1m in height. Well suited to form attractive borders and hedges. Plant approx. 50cm to 1m apart.

Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid Tea or Large Flowered roses have been the leading class of rose for over a hundred years. They bear classic full flowers, mainly one per long stem. Many have a fragrance and are excellent for cut flowers. Taller than Floribundas, they range in height from 1.2m to 2m tall. Plant approx. 1m apart.

Climbing and Ramblers

Climbers can be used in a multitude of situations, from covering a wall to arching over an arbour, while giving a mass of colour. Ramblers tend to give heavy, vigorous growth, while Climbers are generally easier to keep under control. It is important to train the long canes in a horizontal position to promote bloom production. Allow time for the plants to establish themselves, do not prune until the third or fourth season. Plant approx. 2m to 5m apart.

Weeping Standards

Budded onto a tall rootstock stem at heights of between 1.2m -1.8m, with varieties that tend to produce long pliable canes that will create a cascading effect, often reaching ground level. Ideal as a centre piece.

Standard Roses

Standards, also referred to as Stem roses, are grafted at a height of 90cm (60cm for Patio standards) and are a variation of the normal bush rose. Ideal for adding height to a garden. Can also create a formal appearance if planted in a row. Plant approx. 1.2m apart.

Shrub Roses

Generally under this joint classification are the older species roses and modern shrub roses. They are very different in their habit and growth, with many of the older species only flowering in Spring. The modern shrub roses are ideal to fill areas of the garden with colourful and healthy roses that bloom freely all season.. Plant approx. 1m apart.

Ground Cover Roses

They flower with enormous freedom and continuity, providing a mass of colour over a very long period. They are very easy to grow, being extremely hardy and disease free. Ideal for mass planting. Growth is generally low and spreading, from 30cm to 50cm tall to at least 1m wide. Plant approx. 60cm to 1m apart.