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 Species, or 'wild', roses have developed according to their native habitat; they have adapted to survive without coddling by humans. Species roses will reproduce true from seed; hybrid species are crosses between two different species. Species roses are vigorous, usually exhibit excellent disease resistance, and most bloom only  once a year. Species roses are excellent choices for naturalizing. It is difficult to generalize about species roses according to flower and habit. Habit ranges from small ground-covers to shrubs to enormous climbers. Flowers tend to range from white to pink to dark red, although yellow can be found in some of the Far East varieties. Human beings most often breed qualities in roses which are attractive to our species; unfortunately, color, form, and quantity of bloom have often taken precedence over disease resistance. Species roses are roses which have evolved naturally; however, this does not mean that every species rose is native. In other words, many roses which are found growing in the wild may still have been introduced. For example, the 'Cherokee Rose', the State Flower of Georgia, is a native of China. Not to have a species rose or two would be a shame, as these roses are supremely adapted to what nature intended: survival. |
