What are antique roses?
Strictly speaking, ‘old garden roses’ are those that belong to classes introduced prior to 1867. In that year, the first hybrid tea rose, La France, was introduced. Old garden roses include the Bourbon, China, Damask, Gallica, Noisette, and Tea roses. Using this classification, roses in classes developed later than 1867 are considered modern roses. Modern roses include the Polyantha, Hybrid Musk, Floribunda, Hybrid Tea, Miniature, and Shrub roses. But, the word antique is commonly used to describe any roses introduced in the early 1900s or before, and sometimes for modern roses that have antique-rose characteristics. In addition to the classes of old garden roses, polyantha, hybrid musk, and early hybrid tea roses are often considered ‘antique’ roses. . We also see these roses described as old-fashioned, heirloom, or vintage roses.
