All roses have the same basic needs. But not all roses are the same. Some stand up straight, others tend to be floppier, still others climb or sprawl.

Plant size can range from 2 feet to over 20 feet. Blossom types also vary, with some plants sporting the classic florist’s rose, others a cupped or rosette shape, and still others flat and somewhat sparse petals. The blooms may sit by themselves on a stem or form part of a large cluster of blooms.

Another important difference is the blooming season. Some roses bloom prolifically in spring and then fade to foliage only for the rest of the growing season. Others, known as repeat bloomers, may not be quite as full in the first bloom but will continue to produce flowers throughout the summer into fall.

Finding the type of rose you want means knowing the general characteristics of the different categories of roses and the descriptive terms used for rose blossoms.

Rose blossoms are defined by the number of petals and whether the blossom appears flat, as found on many species roses; is cup-shaped, typical of David Austin roses; or has long, pointed buds that open around a high center, as found on hybrid tea roses and grandifloras.

A single rose has fewer than 12 petals. A semi-double rose has between 12 and 16 petals. A double rose has between 17 and 25 petals. A full rose has between 26 and 40 petals. Very full roses have at least 41 petals, and some may have over 150 petals.