The species belonging to this group are chiefly from Asia, although native specimens can also be found throughout Europe and portions of eastern North America. The group is noted for its vigorous climbers, multitude of blooms and robust growth habits. In portions of the United States, however, the latter is considered a pest weed. The real significance of this group is that they are the progenitors of our modern garden groups of Musks and Hybrid Musks, Modern Shrubs, Polyanthas, Floribundas and modern climbing and rambling roses. It is from this group that all red roses and all repeat-blooming roses have descended.
Leaflets vary from five to seven per leaf, flowers form in small clusters, and hips are round.
Colors range from all the rose shades - pink, white, purple and red. The two primary roses in the Species group are Rosa chinensis or 'China Rose' and R. gigantea . Also, included in this group are R.x. Modern rose groupings are the Bourbons, Chinas, Hybrid Perpetuals, Noisettes, Teas, Hybrid Teas and Climbing Hybrid Teas. Banksiae Members of this group are vigorous climbers, growing easily to 20 ft.