The plants are usually large and vigorous. Tree Roses consist of large heavy understocks with bush cultivars or varieties budded onto them several feet above the ground surface. These roses are semi-hardy in most cases and may require winter protection. Tree roses are useful for accent and specimen purposes but seldom prosper in western Oklahoma. The foregoing roses have an average of five leaflets per leaf, while the following rose species have seven or more leaflets per leaf.
Healthy roses produce the maximum number of flowers.
Polyantha Roses bear large clusters of small flowers. These clusters are similar to many of those found on climbing roses. Polyanthas are hardy and are well-adapted to Oklahoma conditions. The rather dwarf, vigorous bushes require relatively low maintenance. Miniature Roses are dwarf plants that vary from a few inches to one foot or more in height.