A rose is a glorious bloom that comes in an array of shapes and sizes. They are highly versatile around the garden, brightening beds and borders, doorways and archways as well as pots and containers. The list could go on, so choosing the perfect rose for your garden can sometimes be confusing.

Here is our summary of popular uses, alongside our favourite David Austin® Rose varieties for each:

Shrub roses: Bountiful borders, captivating containers & handsome hedges

Shrub roses are the most popular variety and are a great choice for filling large garden spaces, growing in pots or to create hedging.

If you need to fill a sizeable space, then a rose can be the jewel in the crown in beds and borders. Plant them with a mix of companion plants and you can create a magical display that lasts through spring and summer. Roses need space around the roots, so choose a perennial that has shallow growth. Hydrangeas, Salvias, Delphiniums and Foxgloves are all wonderful choices of companion plants.

Tip: Salvias are an excellent companion for roses as they can help to control black spot.

We love: David Austin ‘Eustacia Vye’ and David Austin ‘Gabrielle Oak’ for their incredible fragrance.

If you have limited outdoor space then shrub roses make a wonderful addition to a large container or pot, creating a mesmerising display on a balcony or patio area.

Tip: Choose a container larger than 45cm x 45cm so your rose has space to flourish.

We love: David Austin ‘Lady Of Shalott’ and David Austin ‘Princess Anne’ for robust and healthy blooms that are perfect for pots.

With big, bold and fragrant blooms, and growth that can reach up to 6ft, planting a shrub rose as hedging is a wonderful way to divide a garden and create zoning.

Tip: Use a thorny rose variety as hedging to deter unwanted visitors.

We love: David Austin ‘Olivia Rose Austin’ and David Austin ‘Kew Gardens’ for their plentiful flowering that creates a wonderful hedge.

Climbing roses: Enviable entrances & alluring archways

For centuries climbing roses have been used to create desirable doorways and awe-inspiring archways. Often used interchangeably with rambling roses around the garden, the key difference is the stiffer stem on a climbing rose. This makes it a great choice if you need a bloom that can hold its shape around large garden structures. Ideally these roses are best planted in the ground, but it is possible to grow them in large pots and containers, if there is enough space for the roots to grow undisturbed.

Tip: If you are planting a climbing rose in a large container, choose a variety that does not exceed an ultimate height of 12ft.

When growing a climbing rose, if you want to avoid a floral gap at the base, encourage more horizontal growth. Picture an open fan shape and prune the side shoots once they are spent, to stimulate further flowering.

We love: David Austin ‘Gertrude Jekyll’ and David Austin ‘Iceberg’ for wonderful flowering and strong growth.

When training your climber, focus on increasing airflow around the rose for strong and healthy growth. This can be achieved with regular pruning and shaping to take away weaker shoots, as well as careful tying in.

Tip: Use vine eyes and wire for tying in the stems to increase airflow around your climbing rose.

We love: David Austin ‘The Generous Gardener’ and David Austin ‘Mary Delany’ for strong and healthy growth.

Rambling roses: Picture-perfect pergolas & whimsical walls

Easier to train than their climbing counterparts, rambling roses have wonderful horizontal growth due to their flexible stems. With some varieties growing to over 40ft, they act as fabulous façades, covering walls and a range of unusual garden structures. You can also find ramblers that will thrive in partial shade, to enhance even the most awkward garden spot.

Tip: Position your rose so it gets at least four hours of sunlight per day.

We love: David Austin ‘Malvern Hills’ and David Austin ‘Paul’s Himalayan Musk’ for growth in partially shaded areas and rose hips.

When covering large areas, you want to make sure your rose is hard working with fabulous foliage, as well as beautiful blooms. Appearing well before the flowers, the foliage can be an interesting accent in your garden. With shiny red foliage, as well as soft greens and darker shades, there is a surprising variety that will add early appeal.

Tip: Prolong the appeal of your rose by continually shaping it. Prune unwanted shoots down to a leaf group, instead of just under a flower when deadheading.

We love: David Austin ‘Veilchenblau’ and David Austin ‘Alexandre Girault’ for attractive dark foliage.