From Ancient Wild Species to Today's Modern Garden Roses
And how Belle Epoque builds on thousands of years of rose history
The story of the rose begins long before gardens, rose nurseries, or breeding. The first roses simply grew wild—in hills, forests, and mountainous areas across Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Botanists believe the ancient roses are millions of years old. The oldest fossil remains of roses have been found in North America and date back to approximately 1000 BC. 35 million years agoBut the rose as we know it, with its refined fragrance and full flower shape, originates mainly in Asia.
The First Journey: How the Rose Came to Europe
The earliest documented cultivation of roses began in China and ancient Persia (present-day Iran). Here, the rose was already used thousands of years ago for perfumes, medicine, and rituals. Roses and rose products traveled to the West via trade routes such as the Silk Road.
The Greeks and Romans were the first in Europe to consciously cultivate roses. Roman gardens were filled with Damascus roses—the rose we still recognize today as the basis for rose oil.
Over the centuries, the rose spread further through Europe, where monasteries, aristocratic gardens and later the first botanical gardens played an important role in the further development and spread of species.
The old rose groups – the roses from before 1867
The roses that existed before 1867 are what we now call the old rosesThey are beloved for their single blooms, rich fragrance, and classic shapes. They are the roses we know from historical paintings and castle gardens. Gallica Perhaps the oldest European cultivated rose. A single bloom, compact shrub, intensely fragrant. Damascena (Damask rose) well Known for its famous rose oil. Graceful, fragrant, beloved since Roman times. The Alba roses - white and soft pink roses with elegant foliage and exceptional health. The Centifolia (Hundred-petal rose) the iconic 'cabbage rose' with large, spherical flowers. The Moss roses - a special mutation of the Centifolia, recognizable by the moss-like, fragrant layer on the calyx. Perhaps less well known is the Portland roses one of the first groups to introduce reblooming — a real milestone at the time. Musk roses - airy flowers in bunches, softly scented, elegant and natural. The Bourbon originated on Île Bourbon (Réunion), vigorous growers that often rebloom. The Chinese roses The true breakthrough for modern roses. Repeat-blooming, subtle, refined—and the foundation of almost all modern roses we know today.
From old roses to a new generation – or the transition groups
In the 19th century, growers worldwide began experimenting with crosses between European old roses and Asian varieties. This led to the transition groups:
- Noisette, soft climbers with fine bunches and a light scent
- Remontant roses, strong, large-flowered and repeat-flowering
- Tea roses, with slim buttons and refined colours
These groups formed the bridge to the real revolution that would follow.
1867: The birth of the modern rose
With the introduction of France in 1867 the very first Hybrid Tea —a cross between a Tea rose and a Remontant rose. This heralded the era of the modern rose.
Modern roses are characterised by richer flowering, stronger health and an enormous variety in shape and growth habit.
They include, among others:
- Hybrid Tea, large-flowered, classic 'bouquet rose' shape
- Floribunda, blooms in clusters, very rich flowering
- Grandiflora, large flowers in clusters
- Polyantha, compact and low-maintenance
- Shrub/shrub roses, strong shrubs, often with a lot of scent (such as David Austin)
- English roses, modern roses with classic shapes
- Climbing roses, strong, long shoots up to 2–3 meters
- Rambler roses, long, flexible branches and thousands of small flowers
- Ground covers, low and wide growing, ideal for bed planting
These groups dominate the gardens today.
Botanical/Wild Roses – The Beginning of Everything
Wild roses like Rosa canina, Rosa rugosa and Rosa pimpinellifolia still grow in natural areas around the world.
They flower simply and briefly, but are extremely strong and loved by bees and birds because of their hips.
Although becoming less popular for private gardens, wild roses still form the basis of breeding projects and biodiversity.
From history to contemporary garden trends – what customers are looking for today
At Belle Epoque, we're seeing customer preferences shift. Some groups remain classics, while others are gaining ground.
Shrub roses and climbing roses are by far the most popular
Dutch and European gardens require strong, repeat-flowering roses that provide structure and height.
Examples that are very popular:
- David Austin shrub roses
- Modern strong climbing roses
- Repeat-flowering shrub roses with lots of fragrance
Ramblers remain popular, but less so than before
Ramblers are still fantastic for large gardens and rural areas, but demand is declining slightly as modern gardens become more compact.
Scent remains worth gold
Many customers still specifically look for a fragrant rose.
That is why English Roses and musk roses remain so popular.
Edible roses — a huge new trend
The demand for organic edible roses grows every year.
They are used for pastries, syrups, tea and edible decoration.
Belle Epoque now has its own line of six organic edible varieties.
Japanese roses — the desire for unique and refined
More and more garden enthusiasts want something other than the 'classic' rose.
That is why interest in Japanese roses is growing rapidly:
- subtle colors
- unique flower shapes
- refined elegance
- strong growth
Belle Epoque is one of the pioneers who, along with a select group of Japanese breeders, is bringing new roses to Europe. In Japan, roses are still developed with craftsmanship, dedication, and a great deal of patience—often by small family businesses that have passed on and refined their craft for generations.
A new phase: Belle Epoque also develops its own roses
And then something special: we've started our own small-scale breeding program. Using our own selection and our own vision, we're working on new roses developed specifically for true rose and garden enthusiasts.Sustainable, refined and absolutely unique.
No mass production, but small editions with character — roses with personality, passion and an authentic Dutch signature.
