Within the rose family (Rosaceae), the genus Rosa comprises over 100 species of perennial shrubs. The Northern Hemisphere’s temperate zones are largely native to roses. Roses are grown for their gorgeous flowers, which come in a variety of colors from white to pink and yellow to dark crimson and maroon. Most varieties of roses also have a lovely scent, but this varies depending on the climate.

Virginia blossomed
Rosa virginiana, or the Virginia rose, is indigenous to eastern North America. Typically, wild roses have five petals.
The majority of rose species are indigenous to Asia; fewer the parental forms, thereby making the identification of basic species challenging. Less than ten species—most of which are native to Asia—participated in the crossbreeding that led to the variety of garden roses that exist today.