Hybrids of Rosa rugosa roses from China and Japan were extensively planted as hedges and snowbreaks around farmsteads on the Great Plains. Modern garden roses may be classified into several categories based on lineage and flowering characteristics. A relatively recent occurrence in rose breeding has been the development of landscape roses, which are cultivars selected specifically for use as flowering shrubs in the landscape. Although sometimes called shrub roses, landscape roses is a more descriptive term. These varieties have enhanced disease and insect resistance and require less pruning than the traditional garden varieties of roses.
Planting is easier because thorns are small and infrequent.
These varieties can be used as border plantings, screens, or for vertical accents in a landscape design. Multiple plantings can be maintained as an informal hedge. Uses include borders and mass plantings. To maintain plant health, these plants should be held in the nursery under cool conditions with their roots kept moist. Packaged plants should also be kept cool because warm temperatures hasten loss of carbohydrate reserves and contribute to gradual desiccation of wood and resulting difficulty in establishment.