The world of roses is as diverse as it is beautiful, encompassing thousands of varieties that have evolved over centuries of cultivation and hybridization. To help gardeners, enthusiasts, and rose historians better understand the relationships between different classes of roses, I’ve created this simplified “family tree” chart. It serves as a visual guide to the chronological development of rose classes, from ancient species and early cultivated forms to the modern hybrids we know and love today. Since I first published this on YouTube there have been many requests for a high-resolution copy to be used for printing or closer study. Here’s a link to the higher resolution pdf file.
This chart is designed to illustrate the progression and connections between three major periods of rose development:
- Ancient Cultivated Roses (Before 1580 AD) — Representing foundational rose classes such as Tea, China, Alba, Damask, and Gallica.. These roses are highlighted at the top of the chart as the building blocks for later developments.
- Old Garden Roses (1580-1867 AD) — This includes beloved classes like Centifolia, Moss, Bourbon, and Hybrid Perpetual roses that were prominent in European gardens before the advent of modern hybrids.
- Modern Rose Classes (1867 AD onward) — Beginning with the introduction of the first Hybrid Tea rose, ‘La France’ in 1867, this category encompasses contemporary favorites like Floribundas, Grandifloras, and Miniature roses.
How to Read the Chart
The chart uses a family tree layout, with time flowing from top to bottom, starting with the ancient species and cultivated classes at the top. Arrows indicate genetic or developmental influences, showing how one class contributed to another over time. The color-coded lines represent both geographic origins and genetic relationships:
- Blue Lines: Represent the lineage of China and Tea roses, which originated in Asia and played a significant role in introducing remontancy and new colors to rose breeding.
- Red Lines: Represent European ancient roses, including Damask, Alba, and Gallica, which were foundational in European gardens and influenced many Old Garden Roses.
- Green Lines: Highlight hybrids resulting from the blending of European and Chinese rose lineages, such as Bourbons and Hybrid Perpetuals.
- Orange Lines: Represent connections closer to species roses or less domesticated groups, showing their influence on cultivated classes.
For a video discussion of how I structured the chart, here’s the link to YouTube:
Acknowledging Simplifications
This chart is not intended to capture every nuance of rose breeding—that would be impossible to achieve in such a simplified format. For instance:
- Hybridization Complexities: Many rose classes, such as the Bourbon and Hybrid Perpetual roses, contributed to later classes through multiple hybridization events. These complexities are condensed here to emphasize major trends rather than exhaustive details.
- Species and Lineages: Foundational species like Rosa chinensis or Rosa moschata influenced multiple classes, but their roles are simplified to keep the chart readable.
- Chronological Overlap: Certain classes coexisted for long periods (e.g., Hybrid Perpetuals and Bourbons), but the chart focuses on their most prominent contributions rather than exact timelines.
- Climbers are not represented on the chart as a class – that’s basically because “climbing” is a habit or size rather than a specific lineage. You’ll see examples of climbing roses from all across the chart – Bourbons, Tea Noisettes, Floribundas, Hybrid Teas and even Minis!
- David Austin roses are awkwardly often lumped in as “shrub” roses, but as you may see on the lower right of the chart, I’ve indicated that they emerge as complex hybrids from modern, old and near-species roses, making them more about breeding goals (fragrance, romantic old garden rose look) than about a specific lineage.
It’s important to view this chart as a starting point for understanding rose history—a broad overview that invites deeper exploration rather than a definitive map of all relationships.
For a Deeper Dive
To complement this chart, I’ve created a detailed video explanation available on YouTube (linked above). The video provides further context about the relationships depicted here, addresses some of the simplifications, and discusses the fascinating history behind key rose classes. You can also download a high-resolution copy of the chart [here].
I offer this visual guide to the rose community in the spirit of fostering understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of roses. While it may not capture every detail, I hope it serves as a helpful tool for anyone seeking to explore the rich lineage of cultivated roses.
Jason is the owner of Fraser Valley Rose Farm, a nursery in British Columbia specializing in roses and perennials. Through his YouTube channel and website, he shares practical advice on gardening and plant propagation, helping gardeners grow thriving plants and better understand rose care.
