Albas are unusual shade-tolerant roses. They will grow in the open shade of a north-facing wall or under tall trees. Centifolias are the 'Cabbage Roses'. They are thorny, open bushes to 4 to 5 feet high. The very large, double and fragrant blossoms are borne so freely that they cause the plant's branches to nod under their weight.
Colors range from white to deep rose-red, sometimes striped and spotted.
Mosses are sports of centifolia and damask roses. Their flower stalks and buds are covered with a mossy growth that exudes a balsam scent. Moss roses are susceptible to powdery mildew. Chinese roses introduced reblooming ability to roses and quickly became very popular. In addition to reblooming ability, the roses included warm colors of yellow and scarlet.