Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
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types of rose plants

With their timeless beauty and incredible variety, roses have long been the crown jewel of many New Zealand gardens. If you’re looking to explore the different types of rose plants, you’ll discover that each variety offers something unique—from romantic climbers that cascade over arbors to compact patio roses bursting with colour in containers. Choosing the right rose for your space means considering flower form, growth habit, fragrance, repeat flowering, and hardiness. Let’s take a closer look at the most popular types of rose plants grown in New Zealand gardens.

Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is a variety of the commonly known, Day Lily, and features very showy flowers. The large and showy, rose-pink flowers are only at peak condition for a day, but are continually produced through summer. They are held above the strap-like, green leaves which serve as a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 50 cm tall and the same wide. Hemerocallis Rose Cherub is commonly mass planted as a groundcover, planted around the base of larger trees, included in borders, added to a mixed planting, or included in cottage gardens.

Buy Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily)

From $22.88

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 50 cm

Spread: 50 cm

Flowering time: Summer

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

“Violet Serenity” is a magnificent small, shrub rose owing to its colourful display of bright pink flowers. The showy blooms are borne as clusters from late spring through into summer. The foliage comprises glossy, dark green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers. Unlike other roses, this variety only has very short thorns so is a lot more “user friendly”. This deciduous plant typically grows compactly to 70 cm tall and the same wide and is generally pruned each winter with about 75% of the stem removed. That said, this variety can also be left unpruned and will not get out of control like traditional rose varieties. It performs best when planted in full sun on a well-drained, sheltered site, and is tolerant of frost and cool climates. It also has exceptional disease resistance. “Violet Serenity” is commonly included in a mixed or border planting, included in a courtyard or cottage garden, planted around outdoor living areas, or maintained in a container.

Buy Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity

From $33.08

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Rose Plants

Height: 70 cm

Spread: 70 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Tolerances: Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Hybrid Tea Roses

Hybrid tea roses are the classical blooms you’ll see in floral arrangements. Known for their long, elegant stems and large, high-centred flowers, these are perfect for cutting and bringing indoors. With a wide spectrum of colours and strong fragrance, hybrid teas are a favourite for those who want statement blooms throughout spring and summer.

Floribunda Roses

If you love big flushes of blooms, floribundas might be your ideal rose type. These roses produce large clusters of flowers, making them wonderful for mass planting or hedging. Their compact growth and repeat flowering ensure your garden stays vibrant for months. For a stunning example, try the Rose Simplicity Violet Serenity, which offers beautiful violet petals and impressive disease resistance.

Climbing Roses

Climbing roses can transform a fence, pergola, or arch with their graceful canes and abundant blooms. These types of rose plants add romantic vertical interest to your garden and often repeat flower throughout the season. Their vigorous growth makes them ideal for covering unsightly structures or creating fragrant outdoor rooms.

Shrub Roses

Shrub roses combine the best traits of old garden and modern roses: lush foliage, resilience, and continuous flowering. Many shrub roses grow as rounded, bushy plants, filling garden beds and providing structure and colour. The Rose 'Burgundy Iceberg' is a brilliant choice, with its striking deep plum flowers standing out in any landscape.

Miniature and Patio Roses

For small spaces, containers, or border edges, miniature and patio roses are unbeatable. These types of rose plants bring all the charm of larger varieties in a petite package—ideal for balconies or compact urban gardens.

Fragrant Roses

Fragrance enthusiasts will adore varieties like the Rose Blackberry Nip, renowned for their bold scent and vivid blooms. These roses are prized for both their aesthetics and aroma, making them must-haves for sensory gardens and cutting beds.

Unique Relatives and Companions

Although not a true rose, the Portulaca Pazzaz Sunset (Moss Rose Plant) is a favourite for adding ground cover and colourful accents. It pairs beautifully with traditional roses for a long-lasting display. For another unique companion, consider Hemerocallis Rose Cherub (Rose Daylily), which delivers striking blooms that complement your rose plantings.

Grow Your Dream Rose Garden

With so many types of rose plants to choose from, there’s a perfect rose for every style and situation. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of hybrid teas or the carefree colour of floribundas, your garden will benefit from the beauty and versatility roses provide. Explore our range to find the ideal roses—and their perfect partners—for your space.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.