More The Merrier: Ornamental values apart, this flower has medicinal value too

New Delhi: In addition to their ornamental value, roses are also used in perfumes, cosmetics, and as a flavoring in food and drinks. Some species of roses are also used for medicinal purposes, as they contain compounds that have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Scientific classification of the Rose:

Kingdom: Order: Rosales Family: Rosaceae Subfamily: Rosoideae Genus: Rosa

The genus Rosa includes over 100 species of flowering plants, many of which are cultivated for their ornamental value. Within the genus, there are many different cultivars and hybrids that have been developed for their size, shape, color, and fragrance. The scientific classification of roses is important for understanding their evolutionary relationships and for categorizing different species and varieties based on their characteristics.

Recommended Varieties:

Indian Rose Varieties:

About 600 cultivars of roses have been developed in India. Some of important are given below:

IARI, New Delhi:

Hybrid Tea:- Abhisarika, Anurag, Arjun, Bhim, Charugandha, Chitwan, Dr. B.P. Pal, Dr. Bharat Ram, Ganga, Jawahar, Mother Teressa, Mridula, Mrinalini, Nurjahan, Priyadarshini, Pusa Sonia, Pusa Gaurav, Pusa Bahadur, Pusa Priya, Pusa Garima, Raj Kumari, Raktagandha, Rangasala, Surabhi, Vasant. New varieties from IARI are Pusa Ajay, Pusa Arun, Pusa Mansij, Pusa Mohit, Pusa Abhisek, Pusa Komal, Pusa Manhar, Pusa Muskan, Pusa Sharbati, Pusa Urmil, Pusa Priya and Pusa Ranjan.

Floribunda:- Arunima, Chandrama, Deepshikha, Himangini, Mohini, Nav Sadabahar, Neelambri, Prema, Pusa Barahmasi, Pusa Pitamber, Pusa Virangana, Sadabahar, Saratoga, Shabnam, Sindhoor, Suchitra and Suryodaya.

Miniature: – Delhi Scarlet

Polyanthas: – Polyantha roses are a class of roses that originated from crosses between two rose species, Rosa chinensis and Rosa multiflora, in the late 19th century. The name “Polyantha” comes from the Greek words “poly,” meaning many, and “anthos,” meaning flower, which describes the abundant clusters of small blooms that these roses produce.

Polyantha roses are typically small, bushy plants that grow to about 2-3 feet tall and wide. They are valued for their profuse clusters of small, delicate flowers that are produced in large numbers throughout the growing season. The flowers are usually pink or white, but can also be found in shades of red, yellow, and orange.

Polyantha roses are known for their hardiness, disease resistance, and ease of care, which makes them popular choices for use in gardens, landscapes, and as container plants. Some popular varieties of Polyantha roses include ‘The Fairy’, ‘Cecile Brunner’, and ‘Marie Pavie’. Swati

Hybrid Tea Roses: These roses are known for their large, high-centered blooms that come in a wide range of colors. They are popular for their long stems, making them ideal for cut flower production. Some commercially grown varieties of hybrid tea roses include ‘Peace,’ ‘Mister Lincoln,’ and ‘Double Delight. ‘Forever Young,’ ‘Sonia,’ and ‘Avalanche.’

Floribunda Roses: These roses are a cross between polyantha and hybrid tea roses, resulting in clusters of smaller blooms on each stem. ‘They are popular for their long blooming period and come in a range of colors. Some commercially grown varieties of floribunda roses include ‘Iceberg,’ ‘Europeana,’ and ‘Angel Face. ‘Pink Perfection,’ ‘Gold Medal,’ and ‘Tuscan Sun.’

Grandiflora Roses: These roses are a cross between hybrid tea and floribunda roses, resulting in large, showy blooms that are often produced in clusters. They are known for their disease resistance and come in a range of colors. Some commercially grown varieties of grandiflora roses include ‘Queen Elizabeth,’ ‘Gold Medal,’ and ‘Arizona.’

Climbing Roses: These roses are characterized by their long, flexible stems that can be trained to climb up trellises or other support structures. They are popular for their versatility and come in a range of colors. Some commercially grown varieties of climbing roses include ‘New Dawn,’ ‘Don Juan,’ and ‘Blaze.’

Spray Roses: These roses produce multiple blooms on each stem, making them ideal for use in bouquets and floral arrangements. They come in a range of colors and are popular for their delicate appearance. Some commercially grown varieties of spray roses for cut flower production include ‘Yelloween,’ ‘Snowflake,’ and ‘Sweetness.’

Spray Rose: These roses have a more natural, open flower shape than other types of roses and are popular for their fragrance and romantic appearance. They come in a range of colors and are often used in bridal bouquets and other special occasions. Some commercially grown varieties of garden roses for cut flower Production include ‘David Austin Juliet,’ ‘Keira,’ and ‘Rosa Mundi.’

Miniature Roses: These roses are smaller in size than other types of roses and are often grown in pots or used as border plants. They come in a range of colors and are popular for their long blooming period. Some commercially grown varieties of miniature roses include ‘Jeanne Lajoie,’ ‘Red Cascade,’ and ‘Giggles.”Millie,’ ‘Bambino,’ and ‘Red Minimo.’

English Roses: These are a group of roses developed by David Austin, known for their old-fashioned, romantic appearance and fragrance. They are a cross between old garden roses and modern hybrid teas.

Other Important cultivars of cut-roses for export

Cora, Corvetti, Diplomat, Femma, First Red, Grand gala, Kiss, Konfetti, Lambada, Laser, Nicole, Noblesse, Osiana, Papillon, Parea, Pavrotte, Rodeo, Rossini, Sacha, Samura, Sandy, Sangaria, Soledo, Susanne, Texas, Tineke, Vivaldi and Taj mahal

First Red: This is a popular red hybrid tea rose variety that is known for its long vase life and high yield. It produces large, high-centered blooms with a strong fragrance.

Grand Gala: This is another red hybrid tea rose variety that is popular in the Delhi NCR region. It has a large, classic rose shape and a deep red color. It is known for its strong fragrance and long vase life.

Sonia: This is a pink hybrid tea rose variety that is popular for its delicate color and long stems. It produces large, high-centered blooms with a subtle fragrance.

Iceberg: This is a white floribunda rose variety that is popular for its profuse blooming and disease resistance. It produces clusters of small, pure white blooms with a mild fragrance.

Kardinal: This is a red hybrid tea rose variety that is popular for its large, velvety blooms and strong fragrance. It has a classic rose shape and a deep red color.

Topaz: This is a yellow hybrid tea rose variety that is popular for its bright, cheerful blooms and long vase life. It produces large, high-centered blooms with a mild fragrance.

These are just a few examples of the commercially grown rose varieties in India. The specific varieties grown will depend on factors such as climate, market demand, and the expertise of the growers. (Dr. Amar Singh, Former, A. chief technical officer, I.A.R.I, New Delhi-110012)