Old Garden roses, also known as Heirloom roses, are rose varieties that existed before 1867, the year the first Hybrid Tea rose was introduced. These roses are known for their resilience, strong fragrance, and natural disease resistance. Most Old Garden roses bloom once per season, tend to grow quite large, and can tolerate hard pruning every few years. They are categorized into several classes, including Alba, Centifolia, Damask, Gallica, Tea, and Moss roses.
In contrast, Modern roses (introduced after 1867) have been bred for repeat blooming, a broader range of colors, and more compact growth habits. However, they often require more maintenance and may not be as fragrant as Old Garden roses.