Quick Guide: summer, hardy, full sun, height:1.5m/5ft, width: 1.5m/5ft

Descended from true Rosa species such as R. alba (the White Rose of York) and R. damascena (damask rose), old roses were popular before hybrid teas were introduced, and are now enjoying a well-deserved revival. Intensely fragrant, the blooms of white, pink or red have a relatively brief flowering period.

GROWING See Floribunda Roses. Albas, Damasks and Gallicas do not need rich soil. Prune the spring after planting by removing weak and damaged wood. For established bushes just remove straggly stems and any laterals that bore flowers the previous year. Do not prune until flowering is over.

PROPAGATION Take cuttings in late summer.

VARIETIES Moss Roses (from R. centifolia), stems and branches covered with bristles. Very fragrant flowers 7.5cm/3in across: `Henri Martin' (above), semi-double, deep pink; `Comtesse de Murinais', vigorous shrub, pure white flowers with green centre. Gallicas (from R. gallica, the French rose), stiff stems, double flowers 5-7.5cm/2-3in wide: `Cardinal Richelieu', pale pink ageing to deep purple, good for hedging. Bourbon roses (from R. x odorata and R. damascena) Globular or cup-shaped flowers in bloom from early summer to first frost: `Boule de Neige', white; `La Reine Victoria', deep pink.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS Aphids, Caterpillars, Sawfly Larvae, Black Spot; die-back; grey mould; rust; powdery mildew